MANCHESTER UNITED risk facing huge financial challenges if they go another season without Champions League football.
The Red Devils failed to earn a spot in Europe’s elite competition last season after finishing eighth in the Premier League table.
Despite enduring one of their worst campaigns, they managed to earn Europa League qualification by winning the FA Cup.
However, securing Champions League football this time around will be imperative for the club’s financial status.
Failing to finish in the top four would result in a £10million penalty clause being invoked ahead of the 2025-26 season.
When Man Utd penned a 10-year partnership extension with Adidas last summer, it was agreed that failure to qualify for the Champions League on two consecutive occasions would lead to a 30 per cent reduction in annual payments.
United will also be penalised for every other season they fail to earn a spot.
On top of that, tens of millions more will be lost in broadcasting deals and match day revenue.
The Red Devils earned £93.1m from their 2018-19 Champions League run, which ended in the quarter-finals.
That figure dropped to £37.5m during the 2022-23 campaign, when they were in the Europa League.
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United’s latest annual report reads: “Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate.
“To help mitigate this impact, the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League.
“Moreover, because of the prestige associated with participating in the European competitions, particularly the Champions League, failure to qualify for any European competition could negatively affect our ability to attract and retain talented players and coaching staff, as well as supporters, sponsors and other commercial partners.”
Man Utd reported a net loss of £113.2m for the 2023/24 financial year.
It takes the club’s losses over three years to £254.7m.
While the Red Devils have to qualify for the Champions League next season, they face a huge uphill battle.
Erik ten Hag and his players have endured a poor start to the season and currently sit 12th in the Prem table.
The Dutchman’s future is now in doubt, with two huge fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa scheduled for this week.
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.
