Europa League Final: United’s Last Shot at Redemption – and Revenue

TDT | Manama

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Under-pressure Amorim eyes season-defining win in all-or-nothing clash against Spurs

Manchester United’s dismal domestic campaign could still end on a high. Despite languishing in 16th in the Premier League, the Red Devils have a golden chance to rewrite their 2024–25 season narrative when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday.

With Champions League qualification and a potential £100 million financial boost on the line, a win would not only ease pressure on embattled manager Ruben Amorim, but also shape the club’s immediate future.

Only One Way Back to Europe

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been vocal about the stakes, citing that qualification for Europe’s top competition could be worth £80–100 million in combined broadcast, matchday, and commercial income. And for a United team mired in poor form and finances, that revenue could be transformative.

“Champions League can change everything,” Amorim admitted. “We’re not ready to compete at the top of the Premier League right now—but if we make the Champions League, we’ll have a different budget to build a stronger squad.”

A Woeful Domestic Record

United’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea last Friday was their 18th league loss of the season—a grim tally not seen since 1973–74, the club’s last relegation year. Even more damning: they’ve failed to win two consecutive league games all season, a first in the club’s storied history.

Still, the Europa League has brought out a different side of the team. United are unbeaten in the competition, having thrashed Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate in the semis and narrowly escaped Olympique Lyonnais thanks to late heroics by Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire in the quarter-final.

Players Still Believe

“We arrive at the final unbeaten – that’s something really positive,” said defender Diogo Dalot. “These European games are tough, but we’ve managed to find consistency here, which is something we lacked in the league.”

Victory would also mirror last season’s late FA Cup success under Erik ten Hag, who temporarily staved off scrutiny only to be sacked months later. Amorim now finds himself at a similar crossroads—one game to silence critics, spark belief, and possibly secure a longer future at Old Trafford.

Despite the chaos, Amorim remains defiant. “We will be prepared for the final. The most important thing is the change in mentality in my team. They compete—and that is what matters most to me.”

Whether that mentality is enough to overcome a fellow Premier League rival in Spurs remains to be seen. But for United, Wednesday isn’t just about a trophy. It’s about hope, finances, and the future.