Manchester United’s troubled domestic season hit a fresh low following Sunday’s defeat to West Ham, a result that could cost the club more than £20 million in Premier League prize money.
The 2–0 loss at the London Stadium was United’s 17th league defeat of the campaign and leaves them 16th in the table with just two matches remaining.
They are without a win in seven Premier League outings and have beaten only one non-relegated side—Fulham in January—since their dramatic derby comeback against Manchester City in December.
While United remain unbeaten in the Europa League and have a shot at salvaging their season with a win in the final against Tottenham next week, their league form paints a bleak picture.
Even a victory in Bilbao would only offer a reprieve from what has been a historically poor campaign.
The financial consequences of their league slide are stark.
Last season, Premier League clubs earned around £2.8 million for every position higher they finished in the table. United brought in £34.7 million for finishing eighth in 2023–24, but if they end this term in 16th or 17th, that figure could drop to between £11.3 million and £14 million.
That represents a potential £23.4 million shortfall in merit payments—more than £20 million lost compared to last year’s earnings.
Such a drop will have a direct impact on United’s summer transfer budget, with the club already operating under significant financial constraints.
To compound matters, manager Ruben Amorim is expected to rest key players for Friday’s clash with Chelsea, prioritising full fitness for the Europa League final. With the side unable to finish higher than 13th, and the risk of slipping to 17th still looming, further losses in revenue are all but confirmed.
Premier League prize money is distributed through six central revenue streams, two of which are based on league position. Others are split evenly or are linked to live TV appearances—a category where United continue to earn well due to the high number of games broadcast.
The cost of missing out on higher table placement is particularly painful in a summer where a squad overhaul is both necessary and financially burdensome.
As things stand, United’s slide down the table risks becoming more than a one-season blip.
With dwindling revenues and a need for major reinvestment, the coming summer promises to be one of the most pivotal in the club’s recent history.
Featured image: Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Raj Dholakia Raj is a seasoned digital writer and editor with a deep-seated passion for football. With over four years in the digital space, he has contributed to Sportlens, ManUtdNews, and is now proudly writing for The Peoples Person. His work is driven by a commitment to capture the essence of football, delivering content that speaks to the heart of fans worldwide.
