Man United could miss the next season’s Champions League even if they win the Europa League, unless the club takes a major step before the final

Manchester United faces a complex situation regarding their participation in next season’s UEFA Champions League, even if they win the Europa League. Traditionally, winning the Europa League guarantees a club automatic entry into the Champions League group stage for the following season.

This rule remains in place for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons, meaning that if Manchester United triumphs in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, they would normally secure a Champions League spot regardless of their poor domestic league performance[4][6].

However, the current circumstances involving Manchester United complicate this straightforward qualification path. The club is under scrutiny by UEFA due to ownership issues. INEOS, which took full control of Manchester United’s football operations last year, also retains a stake in OGC Nice, a French club currently competing for Champions League qualification through Ligue 1.

UEFA regulations prohibit a single owner from having controlling interests in two clubs participating in the same UEFA competition. Therefore, Manchester United’s participation in the Champions League next season would require explicit approval from UEFA[3].

This means that even if Manchester United wins the Europa League final, they are not guaranteed a place in the Champions League group stage unless UEFA grants permission. The approval hinges on the outcome of the Ligue 1 season and whether OGC Nice qualifies for the Champions League.

Should Nice secure a Champions League spot by finishing strongly in Ligue 1, UEFA may block Manchester United from entering the competition to avoid conflicts of interest[3].

Additionally, the Champions League format for the 2025/26 season involves 36 teams in the league phase, with 25 teams qualifying automatically through their domestic league positions and the Champions League and Europa League winners also guaranteed spots.

If the Europa League winner has already qualified via their league position, the spot is reallocated based on UEFA club coefficients and other criteria. Manchester United, however, cannot qualify through the Premier League this season due to their low standing, making the Europa League their only realistic route into the Champions League[1][5][6].

In summary, Manchester United’s potential qualification for next season’s Champions League by winning the Europa League is not assured. The club must navigate UEFA’s approval process related to ownership conflicts, which could prevent their participation despite on-field success.

This situation underscores the importance of the club taking significant administrative and structural steps before the Europa League final to secure their Champions League future. Without such measures, Manchester United risks missing out on Europe’s premier club competition even if they lift the Europa League trophy[3][6].