Manchester United: What does Champions League qualification mean for transfer plans and Michael Carrick's future?

Manchester United are likely to make around £200m next season, with half of that expected to be generated in the upcoming transfer window, and their return to the Champions League due to bring in up to £100m in extra revenue.

With that achievement and a big new injection of cash, it makes it more likely that Michael Carrick will be given the head coach's reins for the longer term.

It also means that United can significantly expand their transfer plans this summer.

However, neither of those things are guaranteed, and it is clear every decision (whether concerning the head coach or new signings) will be carefully considered and, crucially, will have to fit into the bigger project designed to deliver repeatable future success at Old Trafford.

The buzz phrase remains "sustainability" and whilst that isn't sexy for the supporters, United will not deviate from the plan to target key players, in key positions, in order to continue the gradual strengthening of the squad.

It will come as a disappointment to some United fans for sure that the bosses won't go out and splash the cash that is due to come their way. But that is part of the point - the money is due.

It is spread in instalments throughout the next season, rather than coming in as one lump sum. That means the club can't afford to blow the lot before a ball is kicked in August.

Nevertheless, the numbers are exciting. Even if United lose every Champions League match, they will earn up to £70m from the additional broadcast revenue, ticket sales, merchandising, corporate activity and more. And they will automatically get an extra £10m from Adidas, their kit supplier, by being back in the European big time.

But the existing squad sees a boost to their wages as a result of making the Champions League, so that is immediately a higher cost to the club. And it is far too simplistic - and misleading - to think that United will be able to spend all of their new Champions League money on new players.

Don't forget the club's plan to have a massive new 100,000-seater stadium ready for business in the next five to six years.

And so when it comes to squad changes this summer, whilst the priority has, for a long time now, been to bring in two elite-level central midfielders. It is just as much a focus of the hierarchy to reduce the costs, and trim the squad by finally jettisoning some of the big earners.

That cost-cutting is likely to help United's finances to a greater degree even than the £80-100m injection of European money.