Manchester United Could Secure £20m Transfer Boost with Europa League Triumph

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Manchester United’s performances in this season’s Europa League have already earned them nearly £6.3 million in prize money, with their campaign set to resume next month.

The Reds progressed to the quarter-finals just over a fortnight ago, defeating Real Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate in the last 16. After a 1-1 draw in Spain, United produced an emphatic 4-1 victory at Old Trafford to seal their progression.

As a result, they are now set to face French side Lyon in the quarter-finals next month. The first leg will take place at the Groupama Stadium on 10 April, with the return fixture at Old Trafford scheduled for seven days later.

With United’s Premier League campaign effectively over in terms of title contention, the Europa League remains their last opportunity to salvage something from an otherwise disappointing season. Winning the competition not only guarantees silverware but also secures Champions League qualification for next season.

Additionally, the Europa League offers financial incentives, with the tournament winners set to receive £10.95 million. The final will take place in Bilbao in May, and some United supporters in the away end at Leicester City before the international break were already singing about their hopes of reaching the showpiece event.

By reaching the quarter-finals, United have already earned just over £6 million in performance-based prize money.

Ahead of the season, UEFA confirmed that each victory in the league phase would be worth €450,000.

United won five of their eight league phase matches, securing victories over PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Viktoria Plzen, Rangers, and FCSB. These wins contributed €2.25 million (£1.9 million at the current exchange rate), while their three draws brought in an additional €450,000 (£375,000).

By finishing third in the league phase standings, United automatically advanced to the last 16 and received an additional €600,000 (£503,000). Progressing to the last 16 added another €1.75 million (£1.46 million) to their earnings, with a place in the quarter-finals securing a further €2.5 million (£2.084 million).

If United overcome Lyon and reach the semi-finals—where they would face either Athletic Bilbao or Rangers—they will earn an extra €4.2 million (£3.5 million). Reaching the final would further increase their prize money by a guaranteed €7 million (£5.8 million).

Should they go all the way and claim their first European trophy since 2017, the total prize for winning the competition will amount to €13 million (£10.84 million).

Altogether, if United were to win the Europa League, their total earnings from on-field performances alone would surpass £20.6 million. This could provide a significant boost to head coach Ruben Amorim’s transfer budget.

Moreover, additional prize money is distributed to clubs that have participated in the Europa League this season, with the 36 teams in the league phase each receiving approximately £3.36 million. Consequently, should United lift the trophy, their total earnings from the competition could amount to nearly £24 million.

With United needing to be highly mindful of their financial situation this summer, maximising every possible revenue stream will be crucial. Winning the Europa League would be beneficial both financially and in securing Champions League football, making it a priority for the club on and off the pitch.