Manchester United close in on huge Champions League payday

It has been a torrid season for Manchester United, one that will end with the club’s worst league finish of the Premier League era. However it could still end with silverware and a crucial return to the Champions League.

Ruben Amorim’s side are in full control of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, taking a 3-0 first leg lead in Spain. Assuming they avoid a complete meltdown in next week’s return leg they will be in the final, just 90 minutes away from securing Champions League qualification for 2025/26.

European silverware would ensure that a bleak season ends on a positive note for United and the financial implications of a Champions League place would completely change this summer’s transfer market plans for Amorim.

Speaking recently, Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe revealed that Champions League qualification could bring an additional £100 million ($132m) to the club. However that figure may be on the conservative side, with some putting the potential earnings even higher.

Soccer finances expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Sport: “A good season in the Champions League can be worth far in excess of £100m. By the time you combine gate receipts, sponsor bonuses and the prize money available, the numbers involved are eye-watering.”

He reveals that simply qualifying would net the team £70 million ($93m), even if they lost every single game. On top of that they will receive bonuses from UEFA for every game won, each place in the league phase standings and each round that they progress through. Then there’s also the additional matchday income and commercial revenue triggered by Champions League appearances.

However some of that money is already factored in to the club’s projections. For example, their lucrative kit manufacturing deal with Adidas includes a £10 million ($13.2m) deduction for failing to make the Champions League. It’s thought that some of their other commercial deals may include similar terms.

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