Man United 'could be BARRED from playing in Europe next season'

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's position as head of football operations at Manchester United could have severe consequences should the club qualify for European football next season.

After months of speculation the 71-year-old Billionaire's takeover of the club was finally announced via club statement in December.

Ratcliffe and his INEOS Group paid more than £1billion for a 27.7 per cent stake in the club, which will rise to close to 30 per cent following a further £238million injection.

Despite not being the majority owner, since the deal was completed in February Ratcliffe has taken over footballing operations at United alongside his INEOS colleagues Jean-Claude Blanc and Sir David Brailsford.

The INEOS group also own Nice, with the French side currently fifth in Ligue 1 and on course to secure European football.

This is where Ratcliffe's ownership of United could prove problematic for the Premier League club.

UEFA regulations have stated that while multiple teams under the same ownership umbrella can play in Europe going forward, a ban on said teams playing in the same competition remains in place.

A source from the organisation confirmed the news to The Sun: 'It is correct that Manchester United and Nice cannot play in the same competition.

'They could play in different competitions, as there is no 'feeding' between competitions any more.'

As it stands Erik ten Hag's team are six points behind Tottenham and nine behind Aston Villa in the race for European qualification.

However, the FA Cup remains a viable entry into European competitions for the club - as even if Manchester City retain their crown the additional league space given a European berth would be go to their rivals.

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