Manchester United co-owners INEOS release official statement amid rumors of getting barred from Europa League next season
Manchester United co-owners INEOS have released an official statement amid rumors that they could be barred from the UEFA Europa League next season even though they qualified for it. Although they ended up in the eighth position in the Premier League table this season, the Red Devils earned their place in the upcoming Europa League by claiming the 2023-2024 FA Cup against Manchester City.
However, an issue reportedly came up about the Red Devil's potential inclusion in the Europa League as French club Nice are also owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
Nice have earned fifth place in Ligue 1 this season which made them qualify for the Europa League next campaign. However, according to UEFA ownership regulations, two clubs who are controlled by the same party cannot compete in the same UEFA competition. This has led to concerns that Manchester United could be moved down to the Conference League as Nice finished higher in their respective league.
With the situation at hand, INEOS have issued a statement in an attempt to provide some clarity. They wrote (via the Daily Mail):
"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."
There have not been any official announcements from either club or the association confirming the decision of who advances in the respective competitions.
Manchester United boss comments after FA Cup final win
Manchester United bagged a 2-1 win against Machester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Erik ten Hag's side opened the scoring in the 30th minute through Garnacho. Nine minutes later, United doubled their lead when Kobbie Mainoo found the back of the net.
Although Jeremy Doku netted a goal for City in the 87th minute, it was too little too late for Pep Guardiola's squad as United lifted their 13th FA Cup trophy.
Despite the FA Cup win, rumors about Ten Hag getting sacked surfaced as the Red Devils ended up eighth in the Premier League this season.
Addressing the rumors, the Dutch manager said (via The Peoples Person):
"I don't think about that [job security]. I am in a project, exactly where we want to be. When I took over it was a mess. We are on our way to construct a team for the future. We'll go with ups and downs. What you see is that the team is developing, winning trophies and an identity.
"We have high potentials, high value, progressing well, two trophies and two finals. I'm not satisfied with it, we'll do better but if they don't want me here, I'll go somewhere else to win trophies because that's what I did my whole career," Ten Hag added.
Erik ten Hag has now led Manchester United to two trophies in his first two seasons at the club, with the first being the Carabao Cup last year after beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the final.