Manchester United could face a significant financial hit if they finish fourth in the Premier League and Liverpool win the Europa League, according to reports. The Reds face Sevilla in the final later this month, with the winners earning a spot in next season's Champions League.
Uefa rules allow a maximum of five teams from one country in the Champions League. If Liverpool win the Europa League and finish outside the top four, they would take the place of the fourth-placed Premier League team in the qualifying round. That would leave United, currently fifth, facing the prospect of missing out on Champions League football even if they climb into fourth.
However, if Sevilla beat Liverpool, then the fourth-placed Premier League team will secure a Champions League qualifying berth. United's hopes of playing in Europe's top competition rest on them finishing fourth and Liverpool not winning the Europa League.
United earned around £30 million from reaching the Champions League group stage last season, and missing out would be a blow to their finances and ability to attract top players. Manager Louis van Gaal's future is also believed to be linked to Champions League qualification.
Should United finish fourth and Liverpool lose the final, the Red Devils would enter the Champions League at the play-off round, as they did last year when they beat Club Brugge 7-1 on aggregate.
