A win for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final could spell disastrous consequences for the Premier League giants
Manchester United’s season has been a rollercoaster ride – but there’s still a chance for them to end on a high note after they secured their spot in the Europa League final this week.
Ruben Amorim’s squad demolished Athletic Club with a 7-1 aggregate victory, setting up a showdown with Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao in just 10 days. Spurs also had an impressive run, beating Bodo/Glimt 5-1 over two legs.
Despite their struggles in domestic competitions, Ange Postecoglou’s side have managed to defeat the Red Devils three times this season. For Spurs, lifting the trophy would break a 17-year drought, while for United, it could provide a silver lining to a disappointing season.
It’s worth noting that the Europa League winners automatically secure a spot in next season’s Champions League. However, for United, this might not be a given.
Previous UEFA rules stated that two clubs under the same ownership can’t compete in different European competitions. As Sir Jim Ratcliffe has stakes in both Man United and Ligue 1 team Nice, it would have been impossible for both clubs to play in Europe.
Despite a 2-0 loss to Rennes on Saturday, Nice are well-positioned to qualify for next season’s Champions League as they currently sit fourth in the Ligue 1 table.
Last year, the regulations were tweaked to accommodate multiple clubs under the same ownership, with each case being evaluated individually. This is evident in Manchester City and Girona, both part of the City Group, participating in this season’s tournament.
United have already encountered issues due to Ratcliffe’s involvement with Nice, as seen when Jean-Clair Todibo’s move to Old Trafford was blocked. However, there are two reasons for United to remain optimistic about the situation.
Ratcliffe is reportedly considering selling the French club. If the sale goes through before a specific date, assuming United wins the Europa League and Nice secures a Champions League qualification spot, there should be no problems.
Furthermore, it has been clarified that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule for every situation. Even if Ratcliffe retains stakes in both clubs, there’s still a possibility for both to compete among Europe’s top teams, as indicated by a UEFA statement.
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.