Sir Jim Ratcliffe faces nightmare Man United Europa League scenario

It’s been a rollercoaster journey for Manchester United in recent weeks and months regarding European qualification.

First, United fell away in the race for the top five, which became the top four again after England’s UEFA co-efficient ranking dropped. Then Erik ten Hag’s side dropped even further down the Premier League table, finishing in a record low position of eighth which meant the club faced the prospect of having no European football at all next season.

But FA Cup glory ensured United’s spot in the Europa League for 2024/25, with Chelsea dropping down to the Conference League and Newcastle losing out on European football altogether. United’s win in the cup final over City clinched a coveted Europa League spot.

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United had to face a wait to get the green light to participate in the Europa League because UEFA regulations restrict two clubs who are owned by same entity competing in the same European competition. With French side Nice – also bankrolled by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe – finishing fifth in Ligue 1, they also sealed qualification for the Europa League.

UEFA have relaxed the rules for a year, with a threat that next time they won’t be so generous. So United can breath easy – until the draw for the Europa League group stage is made after the conclusion of the qualifying play-offs in August. It will take place at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on August 29.

Ratcliffe and his INEOS team will be there and they may be sweating when that draw is made. They certainly will not want United to be pitted against Nice, a tie that will split their loyalties and thrust the issue back into the spotlight.

Ratcliffe’s ownership of the French side stopping United from getting into the competition would have been bad for the Old Trafford club, but having his two clubs play each other would be a nightmare for the petrochemicals magnate.