£70 million redemption! Financial gamble behind Manchester United Hotspur s Europa League final

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will try to save the disastrous domestic season in the Europa League final on Thursday, and for them, a valuable qualification for the Champions League next season is as important as the trophy itself.

The two clubs were facing severe criticism when they headed to Bilbao for the finals as they were experiencing the worst season of the Premier League era. Manchester United is currently ranked 16th, Tottenham ranks 17th with one point behind, with only the last round of the league remaining. If it weren't for the relegation of three teams Ipswich, Leicester City and Southampton, Manchester United and Tottenham would be in an awkward relegation battle.

For final losers, the sequelae of this season may last for a long time, as missing the European game will have a huge blow to their future budget. "This will indeed affect the development of the two clubs in the next two to three years," said former Manchester United captain Gary Neville. "They need to invest in the team, and if they don't get the Champions League income, the investment will be significantly reduced, which means they may not be able to enter the Champions League next season. "

Manchester United has failed to qualify for the European Cup in just one time in the past 35 years. The club's financial situation has attracted attention as co-owner Jim Ratcliff implemented substantial spending cuts after a minority acquisition more than a year ago. Manchester United recently announced plans to lay off 200 further jobs, which had cut 250 jobs last year. Ratcliffe defended the decisions in March that Manchester United "will run out of funds before Christmas" if no action is taken. Investment is needed both inside and outside the Old Trafford stadium.

'faster ' road to return

Manchester United announced plans to build a new stadium with a capacity of 100,000 people, reportedly costing £2 billion ($2.7 billion). Ruben Amorim has failed to save the devastating team since taking over as head coach in November, winning only six 26 Premier League games. "For me, Champions League qualification is more important," Amorim said last week when asked whether it is more important to qualify for the Champions League or win the trophy. "The best way to help us get back to the top in the next few years is Champions League qualification, not trophy. The most important thing is how this champion can help us get back to the top faster. "

Conservatively estimated that a victory at the San Mames Stadium could bring £70 million in revenue to the winner. Manchester United earned £52 million when they were eliminated in the Champions League group stage last season. Since then, UEFA has made major reforms to European competitions, increasing the number of matches and bonuses. "A successful season in the Champions League could bring far more than £100 million in revenue," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told the media. "Combining ticket revenue, sponsor bonuses and match bonuses, the amount involved is eye-catching. "

Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levi has become a target of criticism for putting financial sustainability above the ambition to win the championship. Despite a significant increase in revenue over the past 20 years, Tottenham is still working to end the 17-year championship drought. A new modern stadium opens up new revenue streams through concerts and World Boxing Championships. However, Tottenham has still lost more than £100 million in the past two seasons. "We can't spend money we don't have," Levi said in March when announcing the club's latest accounts. Whichever team loses on Thursday will face a long road to returning to the top European football stage.