The Champions League, is it the be-all-and-end-all of club football? With Manchester United's financial results getting a deep analysis from The Athletic's Chris Weatherspoon and cashflow problems coming into real focus, it has never seemed more important.
Aston Villa are another club for whom chasing the glory and riches of the Champions League has been a huge part of the narrative. They will play Lille in the Europa League, in fact, before they make the trip to Old Trafford for what could prove a crucial head-to-head in the race for Europe's premier competition.
It's also a huge weekend for Manchester United's women; aiming for their second major trophy and to join an elite group of women's league cup champions, they will need to defy a woeful record against their bogey team, Chelsea.
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