Manchester United’s 2-0 win meant Aston Villa missed out on the Champions League
Manchester United, Michael Carrick’s former club, may have done Middlesbrough a great favour ahead of the summer transfer window by defeating Aston Villa on the final day of the season, preventing Villa from qualifying for the Champions League.
Manchester United defeated Unai Emery’s team 2-0 at Old Trafford, ensuring Villa’s place in the Europa League next season. As a result, the Midlands club’s earning potential would be significantly reduced if they had qualified for the Champions League again.
It was not without controversy, either, as former Boro player Morgan Rogers was denied what appeared to be a perfectly good goal after capitalising on a handling blunder by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. However, referee Thomas Bramall blew for a foul before Rogers put the ball in the net, therefore VAR could not intervene and award the goal.
Rogers is ultimately the reason why any of the Premier League’s final-day drama matters to Boro. Boro received a financial boost last week in the shape of bonus money from the Djed Spence sale when Tottenham overcame Manchester United to win the Europa League and hence qualify for the Champions League. If Villa sell Rogers this summer, Boro would also enjoy a large windfall.
In addition to the £16 million agreement reached between Villa and Boro in January 2024, Boro insisted on a future sell-on fee. It means they will receive a portion of any money Villa makes when they sell Rogers. Boro’s exact proportion is unknown, but it was described as ‘huge’ at the time.
Rogers has impressed this season and has already earned extra money for Boro thanks to the performance-related bonuses contained in his transfer contract. With Villa failing to qualify for the Champions League next season, it is possible that he will leave this summer in what could be a nine-figure deal that would net Boro significant funds.
What is known right now is that Villa are in a vulnerable position as far as PSR is concerned and will have to sell players this summer and also decrease their wage bill. That would have been the case even if they’d qualified for the Champions League. But having now missed out on the considerable finances due from qualification for that, the need to sell will be even greater,
Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been credited with interest in the former Boro man, 22. However, reports have suggested that while Villa will have to sell certain players this summer, Rogers is one in particular who they are adamant they will not sell.
Despite this, the combination of their PSR situation and Rogers’ potential desire to play Champions League football next season may force Villa’s hand. Given the possibility for a significant revenue boost, Boro will most certainly keep a close eye on the situation.
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