Manchester United are relaxed about the financial cost should Louis van Gaal’s side be knocked out of the Champions League against Wolfsburg on Tuesday night, with the club putting the price of dropping into the Europa League at £5m.
United have to defeat the German club in their final Group B match to be sure of playing in the last 16 of the competition. If they fail to qualify Van Gaal’s team will participate in the second tier continental club competition.
The monies gained from playing in the Europa League, plus finance saved from bonuses to players, and staff and travel costs means United have calculated a loss of £5m should they no longer be in the Champions League.
While this is a not inconsiderable sum, to a club of United’s financial muscle it is a relatively small amount. The 20-times domestic champions are guaranteed a world record £750m over the next 10 years alone from the club’s kit deal with Adidas.
United also believe they could become the first English club to earn £500m in a single season this year. Last month Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, said: “Our record first quarter revenues and EBITDA demonstrate the continued strength of our businesses.”
United’s commercial revenue for the first quarter was £71.2million, a rise of 25%, broadcasting revenue was £27.6m, up 64.3%, and match-day revenue was £24.8m, a 64.2% increase.
