Manchester United have not played in the Champions League since 2023 and have seen their revenue drop as a result, but they are in with chance of returning to the big time.
Isaac Seelochan Senior Sports Journalist and Bruna Reis
14:15, 28 Jan 2026Updated 14:23, 28 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick looks on.
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Man Utd will gain a significant financial reward if they qualify for the Champions League.(Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)
Manchester United could potentially rake in over £175million if they consistently compete in the UEFA Champions League, according to reports.
The Red Devils haven't graced Europe's marquee competition since their group stage exit in late 2023 under Erik ten Hag. Since then, United have ended up eighth and 15th in the Premier League, and only managed a Europa League stint last season after clinching the 2024 FA Cup.
United squandered a prime chance to secure a Champions League spot when they were defeated 1-0 by Tottenham in the Europa League final in May under Ruben Amorim. This season marks the first time since 2014/15 Old Trafford is devoid of European football. However, there's a real buzz that they might make a comeback to the Champions League, via their Premier League standing this season.
The iconic Champions League trophy.
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Man Utd have not qualified for the Champions League since the 2023/24 season.(Image: PA)
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After Sunday afternoon's thrilling 3-2 victory against table-toppers Arsenal, United are currently fourth in the table - with fifth place also likely to guarantee qualification. New industry research suggests that United's proposed 'New Trafford' stadium, with a capacity of 100,000, could also unlock millions from a long-term naming rights deal.
The club's stadium naming rights are estimated to be worth a whopping £15million per year - the priciest in English football - surpassing Wembley and Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, which are both valued at £12.5million annually.
According to The Sponsor's European Stadium Naming Rights Fair Market Value Report - as reported via The Sun - the valuation takes into consideration the expanded stadium capacity, upgraded facilities, United's massive global fanbase and the widespread reach of the Premier League.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates after the Premier League win over Arsenal
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Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates after the Premier League win over Arsenal
The report states: "The valuation reflects the scale of the redevelopment, projected capacity, modern infrastructure, Manchester United's global fanbase and the international reach of the Premier League."
The report further points out that, if the club can maintain its current standing and enhance its global visibility through consistent participation in the Champions League, as well, the long-term value of a naming rights deal could exceed £175million. Scope for European football to return to Old Trafford is a significant boost for the club, following a major drop in the latest Deloitte Football Money League rankings.
The Red Devils slipped from fourth to eighth place, after a historically poor season, with revenue of £691million (€793million) last year.
However, it was their broadcast revenue that suffered the most, plummeting from £224million (€258million) to £179million (€206million) due to their failure to qualify for European football.
Kieran Maguire - a football finance expert - expressed his concerns about United's decline in the Money League rankings in an interview with The Manchester Evening News.
He said: "When Sir Alex was there and even in the initial years [after he left], it was a toss-up at the start of each season whether it would be United or Real or Barcelona as to who would be top of that money list.
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"I think it's reflective of the tough times that the club's going through and there's genuine fear that they could fall out of the top-10 next season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe describes them as the world's leading football brand, but if the world's leading football brand is outside of the top 10 of revenue generators, then that's not very promising."