If Chelsea and Tottenham needed any further confirmation that qualifying for the Champions League next season is imperative, they need only look at Manchester United.
Tottenham currently hold fourth place in the Premier League standings, but a draw with Southampton just before the international break left them looking over their shoulders. Newcastle are just two points behind with two games in hand, with Liverpool seven points adrift with two games in hand also. Brighton are also seven points adrift, but with three games in hand.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are well off the pace, 11 points behind Spurs having played just one game fewer. It is set to be a thrilling end to the campaign to see who can reach the Champions League group stages for the 2023/24 season.
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Tottenham will be trying to do so with a new head coach in charge. Following the departure of Antonio Conte at the weekend, Cristian Stellini was named acting head coach, with Ryan Mason assistant head coach until the end of the season.
And everyone connected with Spurs will be hoping for a good end to the campaign to hold on to that fourth spot. The financial benefits are there for all to see.
Manchester United have released their financial results for the quarter for the three months to December 31 and it should act as a warning to Spurs and Chelsea, about reaching the promised land of the top four season after season.
Untied were in the Europa League this campaign and their financial results show just how important Champions League football is to clubs. Revenue at Old Trafford was down £167.3million, which will mainly be down to the differing European competition they were in compared to the year before. That is a 10% decrease year-on-year.
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