Man United could face demotion to Conference League despite FA Cup triumph

Manchester United could be forced to play in the Conference League just days after the Premier League side secured qualification to the Europa League.

Erik ten Hag’s team secured European football after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup, having finished eight in the Premier League.

Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo both scored in the win against City and United fans are preparing for the Europa League.

However, they could be playing in the Conference League next season due to UEFA rules. As part of the governing body’s multi-club ownership rules, teams who are owned by the same organisation are prohibited from competing in the same tournament.

Manchester United’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS are also owners of French side Nice.

Ratcliffe currently holds a 27 per cent take at Old Trafford but plans to invest even more to take that to a total of 30 per cent – which is above UEFA’s threshold.

Nice have also qualified for the Europa League by finishing fifth in Ligue 1, a move that might put an end to United’s adventure at the tournament.

If INEOS choose not to resolve the situation, United will be demoted to the Conference League since they finished in a lower position (eighth in the Premier League) than Nice did in the French top flight.

Despite that, INEOS are confident that they can reach an agreement. They told RMC Sport: “We are aware of the position of the two clubs and we are in direct dialogue with UEFA. We are convinced that we have a solution for next season in Europe.”

Manchester United are looking to rebuild their team next season and it’s left to see how INEOS will resolve their pending issue with UEFA.