Manchester United are heading into one of the most financially significant games in their recent history.
Despite some promising moments under Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils’ Premier League form has been dismal, leaving their European hopes hanging by a thread.
United currently sit 14th in the table with just six games remaining, and they are at real risk of finishing outside of all European qualification spots.
The only potential route to Champions League football now lies in winning the Europa League — a competition that has become make-or-break for the club’s financial future.
Their 2-2 draw away to Lyon in the first leg of the quarter-finals has set up a nerve-wracking return to Old Trafford on Thursday, where the pressure will be immense.
United’s failure to qualify for Europe could reportedly cost them up to £125million in lost revenue.
That figure includes up to £100million in potential Champions League earnings, as well as an estimated £10million hit due to a clause in their Adidas kit deal which penalises them for missing out on Europe’s elite competition.
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Former Man City adviser Stefan Borson explained to Football Insider that United’s budget for summer transfers hinges entirely on the outcome of the Europa League.
“If they win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League, then they can spend quite a lot of money,” Borson said.
“If they don’t, they can spend a lot less.
“It’s pretty much as simple as that.”
United are already feeling the weight of financial pressure, having warned fan groups back in January that they risk breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, with losses limited to £105million over three years.
The club posted a record revenue of £661.8million in 2023-24, but also recorded a net loss of £113.2million, deepening concerns over long-term financial sustainability.
Up to 10 senior players could be let go in a massive summer clear-out, with Amorim set to be backed with time and funds as part of a wider rebuild.
But that backing will depend heavily on what happens Thursday night at Old Trafford — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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