The European football governing body, UEFA, has confirmed Premier League reigning Champions Manchester City and 2023–24 FA Cup winners Manchester United will play in European competition next season.
There has been a huge doubt on whether Manchester City would play in the 2024-25 Champions League and Manchester United would play in the Europa League for the 2024–25 season.
The huge doubt among the fans was attributable to the rules surrounding multiple ownership of clubs.
Girona, which is part of the City Football group, shockingly qualified for the Champions League after they finished third on the 2023–24 La Liga table.
French side OGC Nice, which is under the control of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, qualified for the 2024–25 Europa League group stage after finishing fifth in Ligue 1.
The same Sir Jim Ratcliffe secured a 25% stake in Manchester United to be in charge of the sporting activities of the club.
On Friday, June 5, 2024, the financial control body of UEFA revealed a significant change had been made at Girona and OGC Nice. This significant change will subsequently restrict investors’ influence and decision-making power at both clubs.
Additionally, shares at both clubs will be transferred through independent trustees to an unknown trust, which will be extensively supervised by the UEFA financial control body.
The Red Devils secured Europa League qualification after they defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup final, even though they had a poor season in the Premier League.
Though Manchester United are allowed to play in the Europa League next season, they have been blocked from signing OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo by UEFA.
Both City Football Group and INEOS agreed not to transfer players permanently or loan them directly or indirectly from July 2024 to September 2025.
How INEOS reacted to the UEFA decision to allow Manchester United to play in the Europa League next season
After the decision was made by the UEFA financial control body to allow Manchester United to play in the Europa League next season, the INEOS group reacted to the decision, saying, “We are pleased with the positive decision from the First Chamber of the Uefa Club Financial Control Body, which will see Manchester United play in the Europa League next season.”
“The focus for Manchester United is on the season ahead and performance on the pitch.”
What to Expect From Manchester City And Manchester United in the European Competition
The Manchester City side remain one of the most entertaining teams in Europe. They will be looking forward to winning the Champions League title in the 2024–25 season.
Guardiola wants to win more European titles before he considers leaving the Manchester City team.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are interested in winning the 2024–25 Europa League title.
The last time they participated in the tournament, they were eliminated by Sevilla in the quarterfinals. The Sevilla team went on to win the tournament.
The new management of the club has been vested with the duty of returning Manchester United to their former glory.
If the Red Devils win the Europa League next season, it will be the club’s first European trophy since winning the Champions League in the 2007–08 season.
