Winning the Europa League should guarantee Manchester United Champions League football next season, but a bizarre UEFA rule could see them banned.
After defeating Athletic Club in the semi-final, Ruben Amorim’s team have set up a European final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Both teams have endured tough Premier League seasons, with United sitting 15th with three matches left, and Ange Postecoglou’s team in 16th.
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Success in the Europa League would be seen as a season-saver, though, with Champions League football next season secured with the lifting of the trophy in Bilbao.
Spurs, especially, will hope to end a 17-year wait for a trophy after progressing past Norwegian team Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final.
Champions League football would bring both money and attraction, with both clubs looking to refresh their squads in the summer transfer window.
However, for Manchester United, an old UEFA rule could see them denied access to Europe’s finest competition next season.
The UEFA rule which could deny United UCL football
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The rule makes it clear that two clubs under the control of the same ownership cannot play in the same European competition.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe-owned OGC Nice currently sit fourth in Ligue 1, needing just to beat eighth-placed Brest to confirm their participation in the Champions League qualifiers.
Thankfully for United, a UEFA alteration to the rule could come to their aid.
The association will now look at examples on a case-by-case basis, a change that allowed both United and Nice to play in the Europa League this season.
On top of that, Ratcliffe has reportedly discussed sanctioning a sale of the French club, which would solve any potential issues.
For Manchester United and Ruben Amorim, focus will be firmly placed on winning the final in the first place, which will take place on 21st May.
