Controversial Goal and Penalty Deny Aston Villa Champions League Spot as United Cash In
A contentious incident on the pitch further enraged Aston Villa fans when Amad put Manchester United ahead shortly afterward. Christian Eriksen then sealed the result with a successful penalty, ultimately denying Villa a Champions League berth for next season.
The heartbreak for Villa was especially bitter as a single point would have been enough to guarantee their qualification Newcastle’s home loss to Everton meant a draw would’ve sufficed.
While United benefitted from a questionable refereeing decision, the victory also provided a significant financial boost. Climbing to 15th in the Premier League table from 16th, United edged ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers who drew with Brentford thanks to superior goal difference.
That shift in the standings earned United an extra £3.1 million in prize money. CITY A.M. reports that Southampton, who finished last, earned £3.1 million, with each position above adding the same amount incrementally. As a result, United will take home £18.6 million for their 15th-place finish, compared to the £15.5 million they would have received if they had remained in 16th.
For comparison, had United managed to replicate their eighth-place finish from last season, they would have secured £40.5 million. At the other end of the table, champions Liverpool will collect the top payout of £62.3 million.
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