Possible ban looming: Manchester United’s European Competition participation under threat

United are likely to play in European football next season, but uncertainty looms over their participation in the Champions League due to new UEFA regulations on multi-club ownership.

Man Utd European Threat
Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

United are poised to participate in European football next season, albeit with uncertainty surrounding their entry into the Champions League. Currently occupying sixth place, they lag nine points behind Aston Villa, who hold fourth position in the Premier League. Despite this, United could potentially secure qualification for either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League. However, they now confront the possibility of being barred from UEFA competitions altogether.

According to reports from The Sun, UEFA’s updated regulations stipulate that clubs under the ownership of the same entity cannot compete simultaneously in identical European tournaments. James Ratcliffe, a new co-owner of United, also holds ownership of Ligue 1 outfit Nice. As things stand, both clubs are on track to qualify for the Europa League, even if the Premier League secures an additional Champions League berth.

In the event of both teams qualifying for the same tournament, priority would be granted to the one finishing higher in their respective domestic league standings, currently favoring Nice. United might need to secure victory in the FA Cup to ensure precedence.

However, there remains a scenario where both clubs qualify for the Europa Conference League, with Nice earning a higher qualification based on their Ligue 1 position compared to United’s Premier League standing, leaving the Red Devils without European football.

United have a game in hand against fourth-placed Villa, and a triumph would narrow the gap to six points. Yet, their path to securing this position is challenging, facing tough opponents such as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal before the season’s end. Additionally, they have an impending FA Cup semi-final clash against Coventry.

Their next Premier League fixture is against Brentford following the league’s resumption. Meanwhile, their competitors, Villa and Tottenham, are set to face Wolves and Luton Town, respectively.

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United

Manager: Erik ten Hag
Rank 6th
Win 16
Draw 6
Loss 12
Goals 52-51
Diff 1
Rank 4th
Win 1
Draw 1
Loss 4
Goals 12-15
Diff -3

Manchester United is currently in the FA Cup with points.

It has a even goal difference after scoring goals and conceding .​