Man Utd at risk of massive adidas penalty and financial ‘black hole’ if they fail to qualify for the Champions League again

United missed out on a place in Europe’s most prestigious club competition after finishing eighth in the Premier League in the 2023-24 campaign, and there are already fears the Red Devils will end up outside of the top four again amid their early-season struggles.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  If United do not book a spot in the tournament next year, their finances will be hit drastically. The club’s deal with kit manufacturer adidas includes a clause that would see United lose £10 million ($13m) if they do not qualify, according to The Times.

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    That loss, combined with the massive income they would miss out on due to broadcasting and ticket sales, would give United a significant challenge when it comes to complying with the Premier League’s PSR regulations as well as UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.

    The club said in the latest financial report: “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.”

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    WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

    Erik ten Hag’s team are in action again this week when they meet Porto in the Europa League. Then, on Sunday, they meet an Aston Villa side who sit fifth in the table and six points ahead of the Old Trafford club.