There is so much at stake for Manchester United in the upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham.
Neither team in the Europa League final has enjoyed a successful season, and the showpiece in Bilbao is the only way to salvage their otherwise miserable campaign.
Not only would winning on Wednesday evening provide United with another piece of silverware, but it also secures Champions League qualification and a significant financial boost at a time when the Red Devils are extremely short of cash.
The Europa League prize money is significant, but the real cash injection would come from playing in the Champions League.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Kieran Maguire highlights financial importance of Europa League final for Man Utd
Earlier this season, Sir Jim Ratcliffe said United were going bust by the end of the year, and the ruthless cost-cutting measures around Old Trafford and Carrington have seriously dampened morale.
United are in need of good news, and money – winning the Europa League provides both.
Via BBC Sport, finance expert Kieran Maguire didn’t underplay the financial importance of the Europa League to Manchester United.
“Financially, it’s the most important match in the club’s history,” Maguire said.
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“Champions League participation is crucial, because it could generate over £100m from tickets, broadcast money, and sponsor bonuses.”
Infographic showing the profits and losses posted by Man United since 2013-14 to 2023-24
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
The report points out that United’s losses of £113m in the recent accounts far outweigh the £26m lost by Tottenham, making the final much more financially significant to the Red Devils.
How much prize money do Man United earn from winning Europa League?
As the sister competition to the Champions League, the prize money in the Europa League is significantly less.
As per Uefa’s distribution model, United would earn an additional £10.95m if they win the Europa League on Wednesday evening.
That adds to the £9.3m already secured through United’s unbeaten European campaign. Finishing as runners-up is worth £5.9m.
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However, the real money comes from the Champions League qualification, which Maguire points out is worth a minimum of £100m.
The new format of the Champions League means United are guaranteed to play at least eight matches in the group stage. The matchday income from those matches would add to the revenue generated.