Manchester United are just one game away from qualifying for the Champions League next season.
A 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Club means that Manchester United have reached the 2025 Europa League final, where they will face Premier League rivals Tottenham.
There is huge pressure on Ruben Amorim to win the Europa League to save United’s season and qualify for the Champions League next season.
Qualifying for the Champions League would provide a huge financial boost for United’s transfer plans, but competing in Europe could also result in a Uefa ban.
Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty ImagesMan United at risk of Champions League ban before Ratcliffe sale
As reported by Manchester Evening News, United could be prevented from playing in the Champions League next season even if they win the Europa League final.
Uefa rules prohibit two teams under the same ownership from competing in the same European competition.
Because Sir Jim Ratcliffe holds a stake in both United and French outfit Nice, both teams cannot compete in the same competition.
Nice are currently fourth in Ligue 1 and in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League, meaning there could be a conflict of interest if United win the Europa League.
However, Ratcliffe has put Nice up for sale which would help United avoid a potential ban from the Champions League.
Ratcliffe has valued Nice at £200m and is looking to sell his stake, although whether or not a sale will be completed before next season is yet to be seen.
Ineos are using multi-club model with Man United
While Ratcliffe is looking to sell his stake in Nice, Ineos are also the majority owners of Swiss side Lausanne.
In recent months, the connection between United and the Ineos-owned club has grown.
United’s academy has partnered with Lausanne, with both clubs sharing information on youth development.
In October, three United academy players trained with Lausanne to help them gather experience abroad and train in different environments.
More recently, United agreed a deal to sign Enzo Kana-Biyik – a highly-rated youngster. Kana-Biyik is set to join Lausanne on loan for the 2025/26 season. It is the first time United have utilised their sister club for a loan deal.
Ineos could look to expand their multi-club ownership portfolio even further once Ratcliffe is able to sell Nice.