A return to the UEFA Champions League is hugely important for Manchester United — not just for football reasons, but financially too.
After a disastrous 2024-25 season, the club’s leadership, including Jim Ratcliffe, set a clear plan: first get back into Europe, then qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top four.
Cost-cutting and restructuring have helped reduce heavy losses, but the real financial boost comes from Champions League football. Playing in the Europa League would bring in an extra £10m-£35m. However, Champions League qualification could earn at least £50m — and possibly over £100m.
United also lose £10m from their Adidas deal for every season they fail to qualify for the Champions League. That makes finishing in the top five this season extremely important.
After their recent 1-0 win at Everton under interim boss Michael Carrick, United climbed into fourth place. Their chances of qualifying have risen sharply, with pundit Jamie Carragher saying they are now “virtually guaranteed” a spot.
With 11 games left and no European distractions, qualifying for the Champions League could transform the club’s finances and future plans.
