There can be no excuses now for Manchester United. It has been a disastrous season for the Red Devils there can be no denial of that. United are subject to their worst season ever in the Premier League as they could finish 14th, 15th, 16th or 17th after 18 losses in the league this season. It adds more pressure onto a side who have become comfortable with losing games.
However, there is a chance for some redemption on Wednesday night in Bilbao with United competing in another European night with importance. Many felt in 2017 with Jose Mourinho's side it was important they beat Ajax to make the Champions League for the next season because they finished 6th but this time for Ruben Amorim it is major importance.
The cost of the Europa League final
There is a lot at stake for this Manchester United side and at this moment in time they need European football to help the rebuild of the club. With the takeover from Sir Jim Ratcliffe in full flow and completing its first full season. Ratcliffe could already have two trophies in the cabinet in two seasons of being at the club.
However, it does not tell the whole tale of the mess the club is in but with a Europa League win allowing them back into Europe and gaining traction to sign a higher class of player for Amorim's rebuild to his formation, the good times could come back for 2025/26.
Playing Spurs in the final is a recipe for a chaotic final that could play into the hands of Manchester Untied for the inconsistent form. However, if United lose it means they could miss out on £100 million in revenue terms putting a huge importance on game in question.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has said, "Financially, it's the most important match in the club's history,
"Champions League participation is crucial, because it could generate over £100m from tickets, broadcast money, and sponsor bonuses."
The transfer revenue next season
A win allows United to restructure transfers, wages and the overall feel of the squad. With the highest wages in the league, the performances are not justifying that. If potential incoming players are aware of the wages already at the club they are going to expect the same if not close to the same.
Maguire also stated, "United still have one of the highest wage bills in the Premier League. They have a squad which has cost more than £1bn, and many of those deals have been on credit, so they have outstanding instalments of over £300m that need to be paid," says Maguire.
"So they need the cash from the Champions League to meet their ongoing financial obligations, and that's before they start recruiting the players the manager wants. The additional revenue will put the club in a far stronger position in terms of a reboot."
The financial aspect of Wednesday night is huge and there is no escaping it. Unlike Mourinho's team United already had one trophy in the bag and were battling near the top of the league but this time it really is Bilbao or bust.