(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

Manchester United to land £130m windfall thanks to Michael Carrick

James Murray

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

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Manchester United could be set to earn an extra £130million after securing Champions League qualification. 

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider playing in the elite European club competition will bring commercial benefits alongside the Uefa prize money. 

Man United will finish at least fifth in the Premier League table, but they are currently on course to end the campaign in third place. 

There has been no European football played at Old Trafford this season after the 20-time English champions endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. 

However, Man United’s financial situation is set for a healthy boost as a result of their qualification for the Champions League. 

How much Man United will earn from Champions League football

Football Insider revealed on 8 May Man United are guaranteed to land £37m following their Champions League qualification due to the prize money on offer. 

Meanwhile, The Athletic reported Betway are in advanced talks with the Manchester giants over a deal worth in excess of £18m to become their new training kit sponsor. 

Financial MetricValue
Commercial Revenue£333m
Matchday Revenue£160m
Broadcast Revenue£173m
Total Revenue£666m
Pre-Tax Loss£39.7m
Wages£313m
Man United’s accounts for last season

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed how much Champions League qualification is worth to Man United. 

“For Manchester United, you've got an uplift versus this season all in of at least £100m by the time you throw in the fixtures, even if they go out in let's say the play-off or the round of 16,” said Borson. 

"Even in the worst-case scenario, they’ll still most likely do £100m on matchday, plus the commercial Uefa money. It’s a very significant increase to the top line. 

“We've also seen that they've got this new training kit sponsor, which is bringing some revenue there that they missed out on last season after the termination of the contract, so that's bringing in another £20m. 

“Would they have got it without Champions League football? Well, probably, but maybe it would have been at a lower level.” 

Why Man United will earn £10m Champions League bonus

Meanwhile, Man United will earn an extra £10m from their kit manufacturer deal with Adidas after securing Champions League football for next season. 

As part of the deal with the German company, the club receive a deduction from their £90m-a-year partnership each time they fail to qualify for the competition. 

“The Adidas contract reverts back to the full amount, so they bring in another £10m versus this year,” said Borson. 

“Although, there are some little wrinkles about how last year's £10m reduction is accounted for.

“What they do is they spread that £10m over the full year of the contract. Actually, although there is an increase, it's taken in the round. 

“If you look at some of the notes in the accounts, it may be that there's not actually a big difference in an individual year, but there is the difference over the full period.” 

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