The UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21st delivered a bitter pill for Manchester United fans as their beloved Red Devils succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

While the agony of missing out on silverware and, crucially, a spot in next season’s European competitions remains raw, a significant financial consolation prize awaits the club.

According to UEFA’s new revenue distribution system for the 2024-27 club competition cycle, Manchester United will take home a substantial €7 million (approximately KES 1,027,880,000 ) for reaching the final.

The substantial payout, outlined in a recent UEFA circular dated March 22, 2024, details the financial incentives for participating clubs across its major competitions. For teams that qualify for the Europa League final, a fixed amount of €7 million is allocated.

This sum is awarded for their achievement in reaching the culminating match of the tournament. The eventual winners, in this case Tottenham Hotspur, receive an additional €6 million (approximately KES 881,040,000) on top of the finalist’s share, bringing their total for the final stage to €13 million.(approximately KES 1,908,920,000)

For a club of Manchester United’s stature, while a trophy is always the primary objective, the €7 million injection provides a vital financial boost. It partially offsets the disappointment of missing out on the more lucrative UEFA Champions League revenue next season, a consequence of their 16th-place finish in the Premier League.

This substantial sum helps support squad building, operational costs, and future development, demonstrating the immense financial rewards even for runners-up in European club football.

Even in defeat, the financial structure ensures that reaching the pinnacle of European tournaments remains a highly rewarding endeavour for clubs like Manchester United.

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