Manchester United could earn Champions League qualification this seasonplaceholder image
Manchester United could earn Champions League qualification this season | AFP via Getty Images
Man Utd are well-placed to secure Champions League qualification at the end of the season.
Michael Carrick's side sit fourth in the Premier League with a three-point lead over Chelsea and Liverpool, and have 11 matches remaining of the campaign. A top-four finish will be enough for a place in the top continental club competition, while a top-five finish will also likely be sufficient based on the current Uefa coefficient rankings.
United initially targeted a top-six finish before the start of the season, but revised their ambition when they sacked head coach Ruben Amorim last month. United felt they had not made enough 'progress or evolution' on the pitch and had a squad capable of securing Champions League qualification this campaign. Here is how much Champions League football could be worth to them this summer.
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How much Manchester United could make from Champions League
Manchester United will receive a huge financial boost if they manage to qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season. Last year, it was estimated that United missed out on a minimum £100 million after they failed to qualify for the Champions League following their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
In terms of competition revenue, a place in the league phase is worth a guaranteed £16 million, with each win worth a further £1.8m. A draw earns £600,000, and each additional place in the final league table is worth a further £800,000.
United would also benefit from hosting a minimum of four more home matches. It is estimated they earn £4.3m per home game, which would earn them a further £17.2m at the very least. When you add in the additional commercial and sponsorship bonuses from playing in the competition, United could easily earn £100m from even a bad performance in the tournament.
Speaking to BBC Sport before the Europa League final last year, football finance expert Kieran Maguire explained just how important getting into the Champions League is for clubs like United: "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."
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