Manchester United return to the scene of the greatest moment in their club’s history on Thursday night for a Europa League tie that would typically top the billing of any Champions League week.
But by being in the secondary competition, it will also underline the ever-increasing financial hit clubs take by missing out on being part of the big show.
Erik ten Hag’s team will face the La Liga leaders in the first leg of their round of 32 tie at Camp Nou at 8pm on Thursday night. But their run to this stage has been worth only €12.2m compared to the Champions League favourites earning between €60m to €80m for progressing from the group stages.
