Joe Cole: 'I worry for Manchester United' - Europa League victory and Champions League qualification crucial for Jim Ratcliffe's Old Trafford regime

React to this story

It is UEFA Europa League success or bust for Manchester United this season, with UEFA Champions League qualification and the financial security that comes with that crucial for Ruben Amorim's side if they are to improve on this year's woes. United play the first leg of their quarter-final against Lyon on Thursday, and Joe Cole believes they have an easier route to the final compared to others.

Cole: 'I really worry' for Man Utd if they do not win Europa League

Video credit: TNT Sports

Joe Cole has said he is worried for Manchester United if they do not win the UEFA Europa League this season, and they stand to suffer financially without UEFA Champions League football.

Sitting in 13th place in the Premier League, Champions League qualification by that route is near impossible, which leaves the task of winning the Europa League in order to gain passage to next season's competition.

After a 5-2 aggregate win over Real Sociedad in the last 16, they take on Ligue 1 side Lyon in the quarter-finals, and Cole believes their route to the final is easier, with the French side joining Athletic Club and Rangers on their side of the draw.

Premier League

Carrick lauds 'fantastic' youngsters after Man Utd thrash Rosenborg

24/07/2026 at 22:00

"I think Manchester United have got the easier side," Cole told TNT Sports.

"Eintracht Frankfurt are a very good side and we know how difficult it is to go there and play.

"Lyon have been in a bit of disarray themselves, they've changed their manager a few times and had financial problems. It's there for them to get to the final. It is.

"They [Man Utd] remind me of a club, when you've been playing poker and you've not got a good hand, and they've gone all the way."

Jim Ratcliffe has made sweeping changes at Old Trafford since acquiring a stake in the club's ownership in February 2024 in an effort to cut costs.

Much to the irritation of supporters, Ratcliffe has increased ticket prices, cut staff perks, and made hundreds of United employees redundant in order to make the club profitable.

"They need this Europa League," Cole continued.

"I worry for Manchester United if they don't get Champions League football next year, because you've had Jim Ratcliffe talking about how he's cutting costs and finances.

"I don't think they're going to be able to buy players unless they sell players, and there isn't much there to sell where you've got real money.

"I think Manchester United and the Jim Ratcliffe regime are reliant on them winning this competition to go forward, otherwise I really worry for them."

Amorim says Onana 'not disrespecting' Lyon, brushes off Matic 'worst goalkeeper' comments

Video credit: TNT Sports

United played out a turgid Manchester derby to draw with Manchester City, and before that, lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest thanks to Anthony Elanga's goal, meaning Ruben Amorim's side are searching for a first win since the middle of March.

Even with seven games left in the league, TNT Sports expert Karen Carney added that the squad have to put all their focus on the Europa League from here on out.

"They've got nothing else really, they have to," Carney said.

"Yes, it's about the season, medals and trophies, but there are the financial repercussions that Joe mentioned. I think you have to focus on it. I would just want to focus on it, I know what I've got to do.

"There are five games to the final, got to win all of them. That's my cup final, every single one of them. I probably would prefer that at this point."

Watch and stream Premier League and UEFA Champions League football live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers