Manchester United s darkest moment: Champions League dream shatters, salary increase becomes empty

In the football world, if there is laughter and glory, there will inevitably be tears and regrets. In the early morning of May 22, the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain witnessed another tragedy for Manchester United. In the UEFA Cup final, Manchester United lost to Tottenham 0-1, not only missing the 6th European Championship trophy in the team's history, but also ended with a bleak ending of all four, and completely missed the UEFA Champions League next season. This loss was like a heavy hammer, hitting Manchester United club and all fans hard, bringing a double blow - the loss of Champions League qualification and the shattering of Amorin and the plan to raise 25% of their salary.

This game was originally a key battle to a bright future for Manchester United. Previously, the Telegraph reported that if Amorin could lead the team to defeat Tottenham and return to the Champions League, his and his players' salaries were expected to generally increase by 25%, and players could receive a significant salary increase of over 30 million pounds. The Manchester Evening News also mentioned that if Manchester United enters the Champions League, Casemiro's weekly salary will rise to 300,000 pounds. Imagine how motivated the players would be when they fight on the court, with a desire for victory and aspire to a generous salary return. But now, with the sound of the final whistle, these beautiful visions have become vague, and the players can only accept the reality of salary freezing.

For Manchester United coach Amorin, this loss made his situation even more difficult. He originally hoped to lead the team back to the stage of top European events through this victory, prove his coaching ability, and also win better treatment for himself and his players. But now, he not only has to face the dilemma of the team missing the Champions League, but also has to endure doubts from fans and the media. In this game, his platoon was criticized. The main player Ugath was not required to play, but Mount, who was recovering from injury, started, and the midfield was beaten by Tottenham. After the game, his face was filled with loss and helplessness. Perhaps he was also reflecting on why this crucial game turned out like this.

From the club's perspective, the loss of the Champions League qualification will have a far more impact than the collapse of the salary increase plan. Manchester United missed the European game for the first time since the 2014-15 season, which means they will face a series of financial problems. Without the Champions League game-day income, TV broadcast fees and the benefits brought by sponsors, Manchester United may face financial pressure in the next season. According to analysis, if Manchester United can qualify for the Champions League through the UEFA Cup this season, the team is expected to earn about 85.8 million pounds. This fund comes from the broadcast sharing of the Champions League, event bonuses and game day income. And now, all these incomes have gone to nothing. Not only that, the sponsors' attitude towards Manchester United has gradually become cold. It is reported that the sponsorship contract between Adidas and Manchester United clearly stipulates that qualifying for the Champions League is the basic condition. If not, £10 million of sponsorship will be deducted every year. This clause will take effect from the 2025-26 season. This undoubtedly made Manchester United's financial situation worse.

In the transfer market, Manchester United will also lose its appeal. Those with strength tend to join teams that can participate in the Champions League so that they have more opportunities to show themselves on the top European stage. Now that Manchester United misses the Champions League, potential recruitment targets such as Zhekelais and Drapp may reconsider their future choices. For some stars in the team, they may also want to leave because of the team's current situation and the inability to raise their salary. This is undoubtedly a huge obstacle for Manchester United, which is in the reconstruction period.

Review of Manchester United's performance this season, with 10 wins, 9 draws and 18 losses, 39 points, ranking 16th, setting the worst record in the Premier League era. The team was not doing well in the league and the UEFA Cup missed the championship, which disappointed the fans. The former Red Devils were the overlord of European football, but now they are in such a dilemma, how can it not be sad? Manchester United's future is full of uncertainty, and the team will need to reassess its goals and strategies during the reconstruction process. Whether to continue to trust Amorin and let him lead the team out of the predicament, or to find a new coach and carry out drastic reforms, this is a question that the club's senior management needs to seriously consider.

For Manchester United fans, this night is undoubtedly painful. They have witnessed the glory of the team, those passionate moments in the Champions League, the cheers and joys after winning the championship, as if they are still in front of them. But now, they can only watch the team struggle in the dark, feeling helpless and disappointed. But fans have always been the strongest backing of the team, and they still look forward to Manchester United rising again and standing at the peak of European football again. They may express their dissatisfaction and disappointment on social media, but when the new season comes, they will still wear red jerseys and cheer for the team at Old Trafford.

Manchester United missed the Champions League next season, and Amorin and the players' plan to raise 25% of their salary was shattered, which is just a microcosm of the team's dilemma. The road ahead is still long, and Manchester United needs to learn from this failure, adjust tactics, strengthen signings, and reshape the team's confidence and fighting spirit. Only in this way can they get out of the predicament and regain their former glory. Let us wait and see, looking forward to Manchester United being reborn from the ashes in the days to come and becoming a force that cannot be ignored in European football.