Failure to qualify for Champions League will bring fresh PSR challenges to Manchester United

Manchester United’s slow start to the season is not helped by the realisation that failure to qualify for the Champions League could harm chances of attracting top players and sponsors.

The Reds will face fresh Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) challenges if they go another year without playing in the Champions League, as per The Times.

United are competing in the Europa League this season, after winning the FA Cup last term.

The club’s latest annual report lays bare the impact a second successive season out of UEFA’s most prestigious competition would have on their finances.

United are already six points adrift of the top four – and risk missing out on the Champions League for consecutive seasons for the first time in the Premier League era. That is why Erik ten Hag is under mounting pressure to save his job, with two games this week against FC Porto and Aston Villa.

Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a £10m penalty clause under United’s new deal with Adidas being invoked for 2025/26. That comes with millions lost in broadcasting and match-day income. This brings another challenge for United to comply with Financial Fair Play and the Premier League’s PSR.

United played in the Champions League last season but failed to make it out of the group phase.

Up next for United is a trip to FC Porto in the Europa League.

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