Manchester United Posts Record £666.5m Revenue Despite Poor League Finish
Manchester United recorded record financial revenue of £666.5m in the last financial year, even as the men’s team endured one of their worst league campaigns in decades.
United ended the Premier League season in 15th place—their lowest finish since relegation in 1973-74. But the start of a five-year front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Snapdragon helped drive commercial revenue to a record £333.3m, while matchday earnings also hit a high of £160.3m for the year ending 30 June 2025.
Chief executive Omar Berrada described the figures as proof of the club’s resilience:
“To have generated record revenues during such a challenging year demonstrates the resilience which is a hallmark of Manchester United. As we settle into the 2025-26 season, we are working hard to improve the club in all areas.”
Although United reported an overall loss of £33m, this was significantly lower than the previous year’s £113.2m deficit. The club reaffirmed its compliance with both Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules and Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
Earlier this year, Deloitte ranked United the fourth-highest revenue-generating club in world football with £651m, behind Real Madrid (£883m), Manchester City (£708m) and PSG (£681m).
Cost-Cutting Measures Show Effect
United’s workforce has been reduced from 1,100 to 700 over the past two years through controversial redundancies. Officials argue this will free resources for squad investment while staying within financial rules.
Player wages fell by £51.5m to £313.2m, largely due to the squad missing out on the Champions League, which triggered a 25% pay cut. The accounts also list £36.6m in exceptional items, including compensation to former managers Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and ex-technical director Dan Ashworth.
Broadcasting revenue dropped by £48.9m, reflecting participation in the Europa League rather than the Champions League. This season, United are absent from European competition entirely.
Rising Transfer Commitments and Debt
United’s long-term debt remains unchanged at $650m (£471.9m), dating back to the Glazers’ 2005 takeover. Borrowings against the club’s credit facility rose sharply to £165.1m from £35.6m.
Outstanding transfer fees also pushed “trade and other payables” to £564.6m, up from £424.9m the year before. Since June, the club has invested a further £156.8m on signings including Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), and Senne Lammens (Royal Antwerp).
Despite heavy criticism, club officials say these investments underline their determination to rebuild and challenge for major trophies.
Looking ahead, United forecast turnover of £640m–£660m by June 2026, buoyed by the Snapdragon partnership, which has already lifted their commercial revenue above rivals Liverpool.
Berrada added:
“As we start to feel the benefits of our cost reduction programme, there is significant potential for improved financial performance, which will, in turn, support our overriding priority: success on the pitch.”
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