Manchester United posted a net loss in the first quarter, weighed down by a drop in broadcast revenue and ticket sales as the team is out of European competition this season.
The Old Trafford club posted a net loss of £6.6 million in the quarter ended September 30, compared to a profit of £1.4 million in the same period last year. Total revenue for the quarter fell 2%, with player and staff salaries decreasing 8.2% due to job cuts.
The club’s absence from European competition this season is affecting broadcast revenue and intensifying financial pressure, fueling fan criticism at a time when the team has struggled to compete on the domestic stage.
“The difficult decisions we made over the last year have resulted in a sustainably lower cost base and a leaner, more effective organization, poised to propel the club towards improved sporting and commercial performance over the long term,” CEO Omar Berrada said in a statement.
The club has resorted to job cuts and other cost-cutting measures after six consecutive years of financial losses, highlighting the difficulties of the 20-time English champions, who have performed below expectations both on and off the field.
Manchester United maintained its revenue forecast for the 2026 fiscal year of between £640 million (R$4.7 billion) and £660 million (R$4.8 billion), and operating profit in the range of £180 million (R$1.3 billion) to £200 million (R$1.5 billion).
Minority shareholder Jim Ratcliffe, who owns approximately 29% of the shares and oversees football operations, has increased ticket prices even as the club spent around £230 million in the summer transfer window and announced plans for a new £2 billion stadium with a capacity for 100,000 spectators.
