Manchester United 'could be KICKED OUT of Europe next season if they finish with a lower league position than Nice'... after Sir Jim Ratcliffe's part-takeover

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment into Manchester United could see the club kicked out of Europe next season, according to reports. 

The British billionaire is waiting to formalise a £1.3billion deal with the Glazer family for a 25 per cent stake at the Premier League club. 

Many United fans are hoping that Ratcliffe's imminent arrival will see a U-turn in the club's fortunes - especially considering the overhaul in the club's hierarchy that is expected. 

However, one aspect that some United fans have overlooked is how their European prospects may take a dent following Ratcliffe's investment in the club. 

This is because Ratcliffe and Ineos Group also own French side Nice - who are currently second in Ligue 1 and just one point behind leader PSG. 

While Ratcliffe may have been excited at the potential prospect of both his teams competing in the Champions League, his dreams have quickly come crashing down.

This is down to UEFA's 'multi-club ownership rules', according to The Sun, which state that if both teams finish in a Champions League spot, the team that finishes higher of the two gets the place with the other banned from Europe.

Furthermore, the only way United and Nice can both play in Europe next season is if one seals an automatic Champions League spot and the other qualifies directly for the Europa Conference League.

In the event that the two teams finish in the same position, in their respective leagues, England's ranking at the top of UEFA's 'access list' would see United get the nod for Europe's premiere competition. 

United are currently sixth in the Premier League table and will qualify directly for the Conference League in the event that this year's League Cup winner already qualifies for Europe via a league position. 

A source close to UEFA confirmed to The Sun: 'As the rules stand, it's a clear situation. Ineos own Nice and are set to have a significant role in running United. 

'Unless the regulations are changed, or Ineos sell one of their stakes, they cannot both play in European competitions, unless one is in the Champions league and the other in the Conference League.' 

UEFA's rules could also affect United's rivals Man City, who's owners also have a stake in Spanish side Girona - who are currently leading the way in Spain's top-flight. 

It was revealed on Tuesday that Ratcliffe may be forced to wait until next week to see his 25 per cent minority stake in Manchester United confirmed by the club.

There had been growing expectation that his deal would finally be approved and confirmed by United during the November international break.

But the Telegraph now report that Ratcliffe, who is said to have targeted Thanksgiving - which is November 23 - as an end date, may now not get confirmation until next week.

Once Ratcliffe does get confirmation from United, he then faces a lengthy six-to-eight week wait for ratification from the Premier League. Only then will he be able to press on at United and begin to make changes as he sees fit.