Ed Woodward warns on risks of English clubs losing Champions League slot

Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has warned of the risks of English clubs losing a Champions League slot this season.

United are predicting they will become the first British club to earn more than £500m (€705m) in a single year this season but the value of the Champions League has been underlined by the club’s first-quarterly figures. These show income has rocketed by 39.3% to £123.6million (€173m) thanks to being back in Europe’s elite competition.

Woodward, speaking on a conference call to United investors, said another poor season in Europe could mean only three English clubs in the Champions League next season instead of four.