Utd and City's CL Exit 'Good For Local Economy.'

FEAR not Reds and Blues. The fact that both your teams got dumped out of the Champions' League last night could actually benefit the city's economy.

"Perhaps supporters of some of Europe's clubs will seize the opportunity to come to Manchester as they have never been before and don't know when they will get the chance to come again."

That's according to the local Chamber of Commerce, who have spun the double dumpage into potential pound signs claiming it could draw in new visitors from Europa League destinations - places such as Kiev, Tel Aviv and, erm, Stoke.

Brian Sloan,  chief economist at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce told the Manchester Evening News: "The average European football fan spends £776 in the city according to data from Visit Manchester and I would not expect that to change for fans of teams in the Europa League.

"Perhaps supporters of some of Europe's clubs will seize the opportunity to come to Manchester as they have never been before and don't know when they will get the chance to come again.

"It could actually have a positive effect on the city's economy.

"It's is obviously really disappointing that both of the city's clubs are no longer in the Champions League and they will lose out because of the decrease in prize money.

"It's devastating for fans and they will miss out on the benefits of being in such a high profile competition.

"But it could have a positive impact on the numbers of visitors."