A top Premier league club, Manchester United could reportedly miss out on the UEFA Champions League next season, even if they win the Europa League.
The Red Devils thrashed Athletic Club 7-1 on aggregate in the semi-final, setting up an all-English final with Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Man United’s owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has reportedly run afoul of UEFA by owning two clubs chasing UCL qualification.
Despite a chance of winning the UEFA Europa League, Manchester United’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025/26 Champions League are in danger.
The Red Devils are 16th in the English Premier League with 39 points, a situation worsened by a 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on May 16.
Manager Ruben Amorim’s team also face a tough test in the UEL final against Tottenham Hotspur on May 21 at the San Mames Stadium, Bilbao.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership of two UEFA Champions League hopefuls could spell disaster for Manchester United.
However, even if they defeat Spurs in the final, Manchester United could still face a UEFA Champions League ban next season because of their co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
According to Manchester Evening News, he also holds a significant stake in Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, which is currently in fourth place and on track to qualify for the elite tournament. Per 90Min, UEFA rules prohibit two clubs under the same ownership from competing in the same European tournament, which could see United blocked if the French side also qualifies.
UEFA made an exception this season for Manchester City and Girona, which the City Football Group owns, with United not yet gthe same leniency. Tensions around Ratcliffe’s dual ownership have been growing, especially after Jean-Clair Todibo’s failed transfer to Old Trafford from Nice earlier this year.
However, he is reportedly prepared to sell his stake in the French club if they and Man United qualify for the UCL by beating Tottenham in the UEL final.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is under pressure as the team continues to struggle under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership.
