Ratcliffe's Ownership of Nice Raises Concerns

Manchester United may face being kicked out of the Champions League next season if they have a worse league finish than Nice, following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's takeover of the French club. Ratcliffe's £1.3 billion deal for a 25% stake in Manchester United is set to be confirmed soon. However, under UEFA's "multi-club ownership" rules, both clubs cannot play in European competitions unless one qualifies for the Champions League and the other for the Conference League.

The Battle for European Spots

With next season's Champions League set to be expanded, French top-flight teams are expected to be awarded three automatic spots and one play-off place, while Premier League sides will receive five direct berths. If both Manchester United and Nice finish in the Champions League spots in their respective divisions, the team that finishes higher will secure the place, while the other will be banned from Europe. If both clubs finish in the same position, England's higher ranking gives Manchester United the advantage.

Potential Implications for Manchester United

If Nice finishes in fourth place, securing Ligue 1's Champions League play-off spot, and then loses the play-off, Manchester United would be barred from playing in the Europa League, even if they directly qualify for it by finishing sixth or winning the FA Cup. In this scenario, United's only chance of European football would be to win the Carabao Cup or finish seventh and hope the Carabao Cup winners also qualify for Europe.

Manchester City and Girona also Affected

The UEFA rules regarding multi-club ownership could also impact Manchester City and their sister club, Girona, who currently lead La Liga. If Girona were to finish higher in the league than Manchester United, the English club's European spot may be at risk.