Manchester United’s disappointing exit from the Champions League not only dealt a blow to their pride but also carries significant financial implications.
The club faces the prospect of losing up to £45 million in prize money, exacerbating the financial challenges for this season with a substantial £28 million gap in their budget.
The Red Devils’ group-stage exit, culminating in a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, meant missing out on an immediate £8.2 million in prize money for progressing to the knockout rounds.
The financial hit, however, extends beyond this initial loss. Additional incentives of £10 million were at stake for reaching the quarter-finals, £13.3 million for the semi-finals, and a substantial £17 million for making it to the final and winning it.
Notably, these figures exclude potential broadcast revenue, which could soar to £50 million if a team progresses through the competition to claim the trophy.
The financial ramifications highlight the magnitude of the setback, with Manchester United also forgoing approximately £400,000 that would have been earned by finishing third in their group, securing a Europa League play-off place with an additional £18 million potential for success in that tournament.