Manchester United suffer £28m blow ahead of January transfer window

Manchester United have been dealt a significant blow in the transfer market following their Champions League exit.

On Tuesday, the Red Devils suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich which put an end to their dismal European campaign, as they finished bottom of Group A.

The result also marked a rather unfortunate piece of history for the Old Trafford outfit, as they became the first English club in history to concede 16 goals in the Champions League group stage.

But along with the bitter disappointment, United will also miss out on over £27 million worth of income.

That's according to The Telegraph who claim that the club's "premature departure from the competition will mean a projected income hit of about £19.5 million in participation and performances fees and reduced TV pool payments".

In addition, their two home knockout games would have brought in about £8.2 million worth of matchday income, meaning they will lose out on £27.7 million in total.

Unfortunately, United will also be unable to recoup any of that money through the Europa League as only teams that finish third in their Champions League groups are entered into the play-off for Europe’s second-tier competition.

As a result, Ten Hag may have to rethink his winter transfer strategy with less money in the bank than perhaps anticipated.

A number of players are expected to depart Old Trafford in January, with the club reportedly open to offers for Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, Casmeiro, Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial.

In the other direction, one of the players United have been linked with is Benfica midfielder Joao Neves.

According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, United were willing to meet Benfica's €70m (£61m) valuation for the 19-year-old in October.

However, their lack of earnings from the Champions League could see them withdraw from the race for his signature.