Man United could be banned from Champions League next season if they win Europa League

Man United could be banned from Champions League next season if they win Europa League

A worst-case scenario for Sir Jim Ratcliffe could see Manchester United not allowed to play in the Champions League next season

Manchester United could miss out on a spot in next season's Champions League even if they beat Tottenham in the Europa League final (Image: (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images) )

Manchester United have endured a disastrous season but it could still conclude with some silverware after they qualified for the Europa League final earlier this week.

A 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Club means Ruben Amorim's side will head back to Bilbao in 10 just days where they will face Tottenham following their 5-1 triumph against Bodo/Glimt over two legs.

‌

Ange Postecoglou's side have also struggled significantly in domestic competitions this season but they have beaten Man United three times this season. For Spurs, winning the trophy would end a 17-year wait for one while for United, it would be a good end to an unacceptable season.

‌

It is also worth remembering that the winners of the Europa League automatically qualify for the Champions League next season, but for United that may not necessarily be the case.

According to old UEFA rules, two clubs under the same control were prevented from competing even in different European competitions. As Sir Jim Ratcliffe holds a stake in both Man United and Ligue 1 outfit Nice, it would have been impossible for the two clubs to both be playing European football.

Despite losing 2-0 to Rennes on Saturday night, Nice are in a great position to qualify for Champions League football in the next campaign as they currently sit fourth in the Ligue 1 table.

Article continues below

Those regulations were altered last year, however, in order to accommodate the number of clubs under the same ownership. It is now looked at on a case-by-case basis with that evidenced by Manchester City and Girona, under the City Group umbrella, both featuring in this season's tournament.

United have already faced problems because of Ratcliffe's involvement in Nice when Jean-Clair Todibo was denied a move to Old Trafford but there are two reasons why United should be hopeful it does not continue to be an issue.

Ratcliffe is exploring a sale of the French club and if that is sanctioned before a certain date, assuming United win the Europa League and Nice finish in a Champions League qualification spot, there should be no issues.

‌

With it also made clear there is not one rule for every individual situation, if Ratcliffe retains a stake in both, there is still a way for both to compete among Europe's elite, as revealed by a UEFA statement.

It was stated that "no one is simultaneously involved, directly or indirectly, in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition; and no one has control or decisive influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition."

As such, all that is really needed will be proof that the two clubs are not run simultaneously and Ratcliffe's desire to sell his Nice stake could certainly help their case if the worst transpired.

‌

Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp! Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel. Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here. -- We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

Article continues below

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.

Click here to read article