Manchester United are likely to earn around £200m next season, half of which is expected to come in the next transfer window, with a return to the Champions League set to bring in up to £100m in extra income.
This achievement, along with an injection of significant new money, increases the likelihood that Michael Carrick will be handed the head coaching reins for the long term.
It also means United can significantly expand their transfer plans this summer.
However, it is clear that neither of these are guaranteed and all decisions (whether regarding the head coach or new players) must be carefully considered and, most importantly, fit into a larger project designed to deliver repeatable success in the future at Old Trafford.
The trending phrase remains ‘sustainability’, which is less appealing to supporters, but United will not deviate from their plan to target key players in key positions to continue the gradual strengthening of the squad.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool.
It will certainly be disappointing to some United fans that the leaders won’t be lavishing the money that should be coming their way. But that’s part of the point – money should be paid.
Rather than being paid in a lump sum, they are paid in installments over the next season. That means clubs can’t afford to spend big money before a ball is kicked in August.
Nevertheless, the numbers are interesting. Even if United lose all their Champions League games, they could still earn up to £70m from extra broadcasting revenue, ticket sales, merchandising and corporate activities. And they will automatically receive an extra £10m from kit supplier Adidas for their return to the big time in Europe.
However, existing teams expect their wages to rise as a result of qualifying for the Champions League, which immediately translates into increased costs for the club. And it is naive and misleading to think that United can spend all the money they earn in the Champions League on new players.
Let’s not forget the club’s plan to build and open a new giant stadium with a capacity of 100,000 people within the next five to six years.
As such, bringing in two elite-level central midfielders has long been a priority when it comes to changes to the squad this summer. Cutting costs and ultimately slimming down the team by letting go of some of the highest earners is also a focus of the hierarchy as well.
This cost-cutting could help United’s finances significantly more than an injection of European funds of between £80m and £100m.
Qualifying for the Champions League would ensure the £38m sale of Rasmus Hjølund to Napoli, with the sales of Marcus Rashford, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirksee also likely to take place in the future, once again strengthening their finances.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Carrick was delighted with the spirit, togetherness and camaraderie seen in Manchester United’s win over Liverpool and feels he is a natural choice to become United’s manager.
Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malasia’s contracts also expire in the coming months, so the wage space freed up by Casemiro’s departure will allow United to strengthen their squad.
Next season’s fixture list will include more games, so that depth will be needed. Midfield is clearly an area that needs attention, with Manuel Ugarte also expected to leave the club alongside Casemiro.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson remains a priority target, while the club has long-term interests in Brighton’s Carlos Baleva and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
The position the club is looking to strengthen this summer is left-back. Luke Shaw has performed admirably since moving back to left-back under Carrick, but this position is probably United’s weakest position in terms of back-up players.
Malasia’s contract expires this summer and he has only played seven minutes in the Premier League this season. As his fights increase, Shaw’s workload will have to be managed with his injury history in mind. United are interested in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown and are monitoring Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, along with Arsenal’s Miles Lewis-Skelly.
Left wing is another position where United are looking for more flexibility. And an injection of European money means United may be fishing in a larger pool than they would otherwise be.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Matheus Cunha has backed Carrick to remain at Manchester United next season, insisting he “has magic”.
Matheus Cunha has mainly held that position this season, with Patrick Dorg also showing that he can be an option. If United can strengthen their left-sided attacking options, they could consider a slightly different profile, a more direct right-footed winger.
RB Leipzig’s Yann Diomande is a long-term target for the club and is expected to attract widespread interest across Europe this summer. Could United’s increased purchasing power make these negotiations easier?
Indeed, the fact that the club can offer Champions League football to would-be recruits is a huge plus.
Carrick’s future is still up in the air. United will not make a decision on their new head coach until after the end of this season, and will undergo a rigorous interview process.
Names such as Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique have attracted United’s attention.
But Carrick is certainly the front-runner and it’s hard to see why the club would hand the job over to someone else when the former United player has achieved all the goals he set out for in January.
Nevertheless, although qualifying for the Champions League greatly strengthens his case, it does not guarantee him the crown. United will then interview other candidates before making a final selection.
