Manchester United’s rivals are cashing in on Europe’s biggest stage (UEFA Champions League), while Old Trafford is left counting what might have been.
Six Premier League clubs are in this season’s Champions League, but United are nowhere to be seen.
After finishing 15th in last year’s Premier League and losing a Europa League final to Tottenham, the club missed out on Europe altogether.
That absence comes with a heavy price. Just stepping into the league phase of the new Champions League format guarantees over £16 million.
Add in prize money for wins, draws, and progression, and the figures soon swell.
United’s domestic rivals have already started banking these rewards — Arsenal and Spurs both pocketed opening-night wins, which reportedly earned them £1.8m each.
For a club that just announced record revenues of £666.5m, the irony is clear. The money is flowing, but it’s not coming from the pitch.
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The cash Man United can’t touch
UEFA revamped the competition in 2024/25, adding more matches and more cash. Each victory in the league phase is worth £1.8m, with draws bringing in around £606,000.
Progression through the rounds multiplies the rewards. By the time a club lifts the trophy in Budapest next May, they could collect nearly £90m in prize money.
Meanwhile, United chiefs admit they are still operating at a loss.
Chief executive Omar Berrada said: “To have generated record revenues during such a challenging year for the club demonstrates the resilience which is a hallmark of Manchester United.”
It was a reminder that strong commercial deals are keeping the books healthy, but the Champions League jackpot remains out of reach.
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Champions League 2025/26 Prize Money
| Stage | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| League phase entry | £16m |
| League phase win | £1.8m |
| League phase draw | £606,000 |
| Top 8 finish | £1.7m |
| 9th–24th finish | £900,000 |
| Round of 16 | £9.5m |
| Quarter-finals | £10.8m |
| Semi-finals | £13m |
| Finalists | £16m |
| Winner (extra) | £5.6m |
For United fans, the sting isn’t just missing the Champions League anthem — it’s watching their biggest rivals stack up the cash.
With City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, and Newcastle all in the mix, United’s exile feels even harsher.
The real question now: how long before United can buy back into Europe’s elite instead of sitting at home keeping the books balanced?
