Ratcliffe set for huge £30m financial hit if Man United beat Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are set to embark on the Europa League final, which will have significant ramifications for both clubs.
It has been a dire domestic season for the Premier League duo, but they have the chance to salvage silverware in Bilbao.
The final will throw up several narratives, with players and staff at risk of leaving their posts if they suffer defeat.
Indeed, the match bears substantial financial weight, which United will feel if they are to beat Spurs next week.
Manchester United feeling financial burden of final
Winning would provide some joy for whichever faltering club manages to hobble over the line in Spain next week in the all-English final between Spurs and Man United.
Spurs and United are the two biggest underperforming teams in the Premier League and sit side by side above the relegation zone.
| Position | Club | Points |
| 16th | Manchester United | 39 |
| 17th | Tottenham Hotspur | 38 |
| 18th | Ipswich Town | 22 |
| 19th | Leicester City | 22 |
| 20th | Southampton | 12 |
For the North London club, lifting the Europa League would mean a first trophy since 2008, when they won the League Cup.
As for the Red Devils, adding to their expansive trophy collection would alleviate some of the pressure on the struggling club.
For both teams, there is the proposition of Champions League football, which would certainly help them attract quality players in the summer.
However, for the 20-time league champions, winning the trophy will put increased financial strain on the club, according to The Telegraph (14 May).
Their report claims that United players will secure huge salary hikes, which are expected to total more than £30million should they defeat Spurs.
Furthermore, Ruben Amorim and his squad will mostly be in line for 25 per cent pay increases with the return of Champions League football to Old Trafford.
Europa League final a coin toss
A European final has never felt so evenly contested, considering the Premier League pair’s lacklustre campaigns.
Recent history suggests Tottenham have the edge over their counterparts and are unbeaten in their last six against the Red Devils.
However, Postecoglou has several key players out injured, including Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Lucas Bergvall.
Whatever happens, the final promises to be a fascinating watch and looks set to go to the wire.