Huge windfall Man Utd will earn for reaching the Champions League ahead of Liverpool this season

Manchester United will receive a significant financial boost following their return to the Champions League. The Red Devils have finished in the top four along with Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle United.

It has been a relatively successful first season in English football for Erik ten Hag, especially after their tough start to the campaign. They have also won the Carabao Cup and have an FA Cup final to look forward to next weekend at Wembley against rivals City, who have their sights firmly set on securing the treble.

As per The Mirror, finishing above 5th position above Liverpool means United will win at least £50million in Champions League prize money. That will be useful in potentially adding to the transfer kitty for possible additions, or investing in other areas of the club.

All teams who reach the group stage are paid £13.5m while each group stage win is worth £2.4m with an additional £8.3m paid to clubs who reach the knockout stages. Teams are also paid coefficient payments.

United will earn more UEFA prize money for just reaching the group stage than they will have done for reaching the Europa League quarter-finals this term.

After bringing back Champions League football, Ten Hag said: “This club belongs in the Champions League. It’s not easy in the Premier League as a lot compete for that. It’s massive when you get it done. We’re still not where we want to be but we’re back in the Champions League and I think that was a really important step.”

He added: “Next week is going to be big and we will do everything in our power. We have to get well prepared and give ourselves the best chance to get the cup. Sunday, let’s focus on that, then next week, and then we’ll work in the background for next season.”