Manchester United’s season has been a rollercoaster journey – but there’s still a possibility for them to end on a high note after they booked their berth in the Europa League final this week.
Ruben Amorim’s men smashed Athletic Club with a 7-1 aggregate victory, setting up a clash with Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao in only 10 days. Spurs defeated Bodo/Glimt 5-1 over two legs, completing an equally outstanding run.
Ange Postecoglou’s team has defeated the Red Devils three times this season, despite their difficulties in domestic competitions. While winning the trophy could be a bright spot in a dismal season for United, it would end a 17-year drought for Spurs.
It’s important to remember that the champions of the Europa League automatically qualify for the Champions League the following season. This may not be the case with United, though.
Two clubs owned by the same person are not permitted to compete in different European championships, according to previous UEFA regulations. It would have been impossible for both Man United and Nice to compete in Europe because Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns shares in both teams.
Nice, who currently sit fourth in the Ligue 1 league, are in a strong position to earn a spot in the Champions League next season, even if they lost 2-0 to Rennes on Saturday.
The rules were changed last year to allow for several clubs owned by the same person, with each instance being considered separately. This is demonstrated by the fact that Girona and Manchester City, both members of the City Group, are competing in this season’s competition.
United have already met complications due to Ratcliffe’s association with Nice, as evidenced when Jean-Clair Todibo’s move to Old Trafford was vetoed. United is still hopeful about the situation, though, for two reasons.
Ratcliffe is reportedly considering selling the French club. If the sale goes through before a specified deadline, presuming United wins the Europa League and Nice gets a Champions League qualification spot, there should be no complications.
It has also been made clear that there isn’t a rule that works in every circumstance. According to a UEFA statement, both clubs have the potential to compete among Europe’s best teams even if Ratcliffe keeps ownership of both.
The statement asserted 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.”
Therefore, all that’s really required is evidence that the two clubs aren’t managed concurrently. Ratcliffe’s intention to sell his stake in Nice could certainly strengthen their case if the worst happens.
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