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Manchester United’s financial struggles, laid bare by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, have added urgency to their quest for Europa League glory as they host Real Sociedad on Thursday. With a disappointing domestic campaign leaving them 14th in the Premier League, winning the competition could be their only route back into the Champions League.
Ratcliffe, speaking ahead of unveiling plans for a new £2 billion, 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford, justified the aggressive cost-cutting measures he has implemented, warning that United would have “run out of money by Christmas” without them. The club has already slashed 250 jobs and expects to make 200 more redundancies.
United have suffered cumulative losses of £410 million over seven years due to poor transfer dealings and managerial decisions. Unless they secure Europa League success in Bilbao on May 21, they are in danger of missing out on European football for only the second time in 35 years.
Sociedad, sitting 11th in La Liga, are also seeking a European lifeline after a poor domestic campaign.
Meanwhile, Tottenham, 13th in the Premier League, face a crucial second-leg clash against AZ Alkmaar after a 1-0 first-leg defeat. Speculation is mounting that manager Ange Postecoglou’s job could depend on a turnaround in London.
With injuries easing, Spurs captain Son Heung-min urged focus: “Quality doesn’t bring wins. Hard work always matters.”
Elsewhere, Rangers stunned Fenerbahce with a 3-1 away victory, though Jose Mourinho warned his side not to celebrate too early. Athletic Bilbao must overturn a 2-1 deficit against Roma to keep their dream of a home final alive.
Meanwhile, Lazio, Lyon, and Eintracht Frankfurt are strong favourites to progress after away wins last week.
