Exclusive: Man United fear £20m+ blow
Manchester United are set to be more than £20million down on matchday revenue after failing to qualify for Europe, sources have told Football Insider.
Man United missed out on European football after finishing 15th in the Premier League table and losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
That has also led to Man United being deducted £10million from their £90million-a-year agreement with kit manufacturer Adidas after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
The lack of European fixtures will leave a hole in the accounts at Old Trafford, with qualification for the Champions League or Europa League worth a minimum of four home matches.
Sources say Man United earn at least £5million in matchday revenue from European home games, ensuring the club will miss out on more than £20million this season.
Man United facing sponsor issues after crushing blow
Old Trafford chiefs would have been hoping to fill the hole in matchday revenue with a strong run in the domestic competitions.
However, Man United were beaten by Grimsby Town on penalties in the second round of the Carabao Cup on 27 August.
It has since emerged Grimsby fielded an ineligible player against Man United, but they will not lose their place in the competition after self-reporting the incident to the EFL.
The League Two club have been handed a £20,000 fine, with £10,000 of the penalty suspended.
Matchday income makes up a significant chunk of Man United’s overall revenue.
In their latest published accounts for 2023-24, the Manchester giants posted a club-record turnover of £661.8million, with matchday making up £137.1million of that figure.
Man United are also facing sponsorship issues as a result of their disappointing on-field performances over the past year.
The club’s commercial revenue remained static at £302.9million in 2023-24.
Man United agree multiple big-money deals
In terms of on-field matters, Ruben Amorim made several changes to his squad before the transfer window closed on Monday (1 September).
Benjamin Sesko joined Man United in a £74million deal from RB Leipzig last month, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha also made big-money transfers to Old Trafford.
Senne Lammens was the final recruit through the door after arriving from Royal Antwerp, with Diego Leon also joining the club this summer.
For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.