United Gain Europa League Advantage from UEFA
Manchester United’s prospects for European football next season were in jeopardy after Erik ten Hag’s squad finished eighth in the Premier League, missing out on the European spots taken by Chelsea and Newcastle United. However, their fortunes changed when United triumphed over Manchester City in the FA Cup final last week, which secured them a place in the Europa League group stage for the upcoming season. Newcastle’s exit from the European race further cemented United’s position. Initially, concerns arose when it was realised that OGC Nice, another club owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, had also qualified for the Europa League. This raised fears that United might be excluded from the competition.
Yet, United have received a significant boost, with UEFA reportedly set to allow sister clubs to compete in the same tournament. This means both Nice and United could potentially face each other in the Europa League. The same ruling benefits Girona and Manchester City, who are also under shared ownership. The United board will breathe a sigh of relief, as missing out on European football would have been a considerable setback for the club. The financial ramifications, while not as severe as missing out on the elite European competitions, are still significant given United’s current economic situation. With the need to sell before investing further, United are already preparing for a busy transfer window, with players such as Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Christian Eriksen, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka expected to be among those potentially sold.
Garnacho To Miss Olympics
Alejandro Garnacho has been named in Argentina’s preliminary 29-man squad for this summer’s Copa America in the United States. The winger, who had another impressive season at Manchester United, is one of two Reds selected for the tournament, alongside Lisandro Martinez. Garnacho is also eligible for the summer Olympics, but his participation could be influenced by his club’s decision, as the event occurs later in the summer. Should he play in the Olympics, he would miss the entire pre-season and return to Old Trafford just before the Premier League opener.
Reports indicate that United have decided not to permit Garnacho to participate in the Olympics, opting instead for him to be part of the club’s 2024/25 pre-season preparations. According to Argentinian journalist Gaston Edul, United have blocked his involvement. Garnacho concluded the 2023/24 season as a key player for United, and if Erik ten Hag remains at the helm, he will want his first-team players to be fully fit and ready for the new season’s start.