Manchester United's Europa League final loss leaves them without Champions League football once again and means they'll have to pay a multi-million pound fee to Adidas
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Ruben Amorim has been left to reflect on another Man Utd disappointment
Ruben Amorim has been left to reflect on another Man Utd disappointment
(Image: PA)
Manchester United's Europa League failure means they'll have to pay kit provider Adidas £10million. The Red Devils lost Wednesday's final and it means they'll now go two years without Champions League football - which breaches their agreement.
United's deal with the German manufacturer dictates that they cannot spend successive years out of Europe's top tournament, but a dire Premier League season and a Europa League final loss means the Champions League continues to elude them.
Not only do they miss out on all the revenue on offer, but they'll also have to fork out an eight-figure sum. It is another financial blow for the Red Devils who continue to fall from the heights they once enjoyed.
Even during their struggles post-Sir Alex Ferguson only once had they been without European football of any type - that coming in 2014/15. Next year will now be the same as Ruben Amorim's side languish down in 16th spot with one game of the season left.
United, even though results have nosedived and trophies have been less frequent, have remained a huge brand and been able to attract commercial partners. Now though that pull is beginning to fade.
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The Tezos sponsorship of the club's training kit ends this summer and as of yet there is no announcement about any replacement, which would be another source of revenue they'd be without. One senior figure at the club believes their sponsorship income could now collapse.
They told the BBC : "Not being a European team creates more existential issues around the whole model. It's not healthy, and people start to question whether you are still a 'big club'. But win, and it keeps the wheels spinning. The cash will be 'lifeblood' that allows them to keep trading. If not, they'll have to look at selling homegrown talent like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo to give them the funds they want."
Amad couldn't provide a spark in the Europa League final
Amad couldn't provide a spark in the Europa League final
Ironically Amorim had confessed he didn't want to be in the Champions League, but was speaking from a playing point of view, not financial. He has got his wish after his side failed to turn up in the Europa League final with Tottenham ending their own trophy drought.
Earlier this month Amorim by no means dismissed the notion of winning the Europa League, but was open about the struggles they would face in Europe given the state of the squad. "We are not ready to play in the Premier League, be competitive, and to be in the Champions League," he said.
"We know that, but we need to win, and we need to fight to win this competition [Europa League], to give something to our fans, and to go to the Champions League. Then we will have time to prepare the team to cope with those two competitions. So, it is a dilemma, but we want to win, of course."
Man Utd's deal with Adidas is now set to cost them huge sums
Man Utd's deal with Adidas is now set to cost them huge sums
United are due to embark on a squad overhaul with Amorim needing to bring in players to suit his specific system, whilst others are set to depart. In recent weeks Matheus Cunha at Wolves and Ipswich frontman Liam Delap have been on the club's radar.
Its been reported that, even without Champions League revenue, the club would be able to press on with both signings, who will likely cost just over £90m combined. Reinforcements on the flanks will also be needed and possible faces in midfield.
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