Man United Risk Missing Out on Champions League Even if They Finish in Top Four

• Manchester United are on course to seal a Champions League spot at the end of the season
• However, they could be denied the opportunity of playing in the competition if Sir Jim Ratcliffe succeeds in buying the club
• The British billionaire already owns Nice, and should both teams qualify for the UCL, Ratcliffe could be forced to sell the French top-flight side

Manchester United are at risk of missing out on Champions League football next season if a takeover happens.

Current owners, The Glazers, are said to be looking for a buyer, with prospective buyers expected to fork out a whopping £7 billion for the sale to happen.

According to the Daily Express, Sheikh Jassim and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe are among the leading bidders in the sale plan.

However, reports suggest Ratcliffe taking ownership of the Red Devils could affect the club's Champions League chances next season.

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With the INEOS billionaire already owning French top-flight side Nice, Champions League qualification for both Nice and Man United would contravene UEFA rules.

Ratcliffe needs to sell Nice

According to The People's Person, should Ratcliffe succeed in his bid to buy Man United, he may be forced to sell his stake at Nice to comply with UEFA rules.

Under Article 5 of UEFA's club competition, the governing body forbids two teams controlled by the same person or consortium from competing in the same competition.

In his submission, ESPN's Mark Ogden noted:

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be forced to sell his stake in French club Nice to avoid the prospect of one of his teams being excluded from the Champions League if he wins the race to buy out the Glazer family and take ownership of the Premier League side, a source has told ESPN.”

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Meanwhile, United are on course to seal a top-four finish at the end of the season after an incredible campaign under Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag's men are currently placed third on the standings with 50 points after 26 rounds of fixtures.

United star hints at exit

Sports Brief had earlier reported on Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga hinting at leaving the club in the summer.

He has endured a disastrous season at the Red Devils this season after falling down the pecking order under manager ten Hag.

While the winger featured regularly as a sub during the first half of the season, he has seen game time hard to come by recently.