Manchester United's net loss rises to £43m despite record revenue
Quick Look
- Manchester United reported a net loss of £43 million ($57 million) for the year ending June 30, a near one-third increase despite record revenue of £677.6 million ($897.8 million).
- The loss was driven by contractual payments to sacked manager Ruben Amorim, increased loan repayments, and land acquisition for a new stadium, though cost-cutting by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe partially offset expenses.
- Broadcasting income rose nearly 20% due to a third-place Premier League finish, while commercial and match-day revenue declined.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Manchester United has reported annual losses for seven consecutive years, with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe implementing cost-cutting measures since acquiring a stake in February 2024. The club secured Champions League qualification for the 2025-26 season under interim manager Michael Carrick after Ruben Amorim's departure in January.
Manchester United’s annual net loss increased by almost one third to 43 million pounds ($57m) despite record-breaking revenues announced on Wednesday.
The Red Devils reported 677.6 million pounds ($897.8m) in revenue in the year to June 30, up 1.7 percent.
However, the football club announced a seventh straight annual loss after taxes as co-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s cuts to operating costs offset contractual payments to sacked manager Ruben Amorim and a big increase in loan repayments.
The latest earnings relate to a turbulent 2025-26 season, which saw former United player Michael Carrick replace Amorim and secure qualification for the Champions League.
The increase in revenue was driven by an uptick in broadcasting income, boosted by a third-place finish in the Premier League, up from 15th the previous season.
But commercial and match-day income each fell close to five percent during a season in which there were no European fixtures. Broadcasting income jumped almost 20 percent.
United’s accounts showed that they paid 8.2 million pounds (10.9m) in exceptional items, mostly related to the departure of Amorim, who left in January after 14 months in charge.
Accounts also revealed that the club paid 63.5 million pounds ($84m) to acquire land adjacent to stadium site Old Trafford, on which they plan to build a new 100,000-capacity arena.
Ratcliffe has overseen wide-ranging, and often unpopular, cost-cutting measures, including widespread job cuts, after completing a deal to buy a stake in the club in February 2024.
Man United CEO Omar Berrada said the latest figures showed the club’s underlying strength.
“This shows the direct impact of the work we have been doing over the past two years,” he said in a statement.
“It also proves Manchester United’s enduring popularity and commercial strength.
“While these results confirm that we are on the right trajectory, we will continue to take a disciplined approach to ensure our finances remain sustainable,” he added.
United expect revenue of between 740 million pounds ($980m) and 760 million pounds ($1bn) in the current financial year.
Carrick’s team has started the new season poorly despite signing a clutch of new players in the summer transfer window.
United have taken only five points from their five Premier League games – equalling the club’s worst-ever start to a season – and last week crashed out of the English League Cup.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Manchester United will achieve profitability within the next two financial years.
Possible · Within years
Open Questions
- When will the new 100,000-capacity stadium adjacent to Old Trafford be completed?
- What specific cost-cutting measures have been implemented under Jim Ratcliffe's oversight?
- How will the club address its declining commercial and match-day revenue streams?
