Cash Surge, Amorim's Exit, and a Bold New Arena: The Biggest Bombshells From Man Utd's 2025–26 Financial Report

Manchester United generated $898 million (£677.5 million) throughout the 2025–26 season, with comprehensive figures disclosed in the club's recently released financial accounts covering the 12 months ending June 30, 2026. 

It was a campaign in which the club featured in just 40 fixtures across all competitions, a consequence of failing to qualify for any European soccer the previous season, combined with early exits from both domestic cup tournaments. Nevertheless, it highlights the club's capacity to generate substantial income even without competing at the highest, most profitable level or playing as frequently as normal.

This period also included a managerial departure, with Ruben Amorim exiting Old Trafford in January—an event that inevitably carries financial implications.

Throughout last season, United advanced plans for a new Old Trafford, to be constructed a few hundred yards from the current ground that has stood since 1910. A key element of that development has involved purchasing land from a neighboring freight facility to secure the required space.

Chief executive Omar Berrada praised the "underlying strength of our business" despite constraints on several revenue streams that top soccer clubs typically depend on. He also highlighted the "enduring popularity and commercial strength" of Manchester United delivering reasonably solid results in what could have been a difficult financial year.

Record Revenue—But Loss Ensures 'Sustainability' Approach Continues

For Manchester United, $898 million represents a club record for revenue in a single season.

It underscores the remarkable earning power at the elite level of professional soccer, given that the Red Devils achieved this figure in a year when commercial revenue declined, European competition brought in no income, and fewer matches reduced gate receipts and overall food and beverage sales.

United have enjoyed far stronger seasons on the pitch in the past and walked away with less money to show for it.

Man Utd Revenue—2025–26 vs. 2024–25

Commercial revenue fell short of its potential due to the absence of a training kit sponsor during 2025–26. That gap has since been filled for 2026–27 through a new partnership with Betway. Champions League participation will boost broadcasting income this season, while an expanded fixture list will drive higher matchday returns.

For context, Liverpool's title-winning 2024–25 campaign generated $931.5 million (£703 million). Arsenal's 2025–26 financial figures have yet to be released, though projections indicate the season was worth upwards of $1 billion (£755 million) for the Gunners.

The benchmark setters for soccer revenue globally remain Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Catalans posted $1.15 billion (€1.06 billion) last season, while Los Blancos surpassed that with $1.37 billion (€1.2 billion) despite failing to claim any silverware.

Despite achieving record revenue, Manchester United still posted an overall net loss of $57 million (£43 million), underscoring the importance of continuing to maximize income streams.

The club has worked to reduce costs over the past two years—wages dropped last season to $400 million (£302 million), representing just under 45% of total revenue—and has pursued more economical signings in the transfer market. Even as 2026–27 revenue is expected to rise again, that cautious approach will be maintained.

"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," Berrada said.

Cost of Firing Ruben Amorim

Parting ways with a manager is never an inexpensive decision. However, dismissing Ruben Amorim could have proven far more costly had the Portuguese coach not returned to management relatively swiftly with AC Milan.

Compensation paid to Amorim and his backroom staff was recorded under exceptional items in last season's financial breakdown, accounting for the bulk of that $10.9 million (£8.2 million) figure. The total could have exceeded double that amount had Amorim not joined Milan in June, given his United contract ran through the summer of 2027.

When a manager is dismissed, they typically continue to receive their contracted salary until either the agreement expires or they secure employment elsewhere—unless a specific prior arrangement has been made.

The year before, United were paying Erik ten Hag following his sacking for nearly twice as long, as he remained out of work for nine months before taking charge of Bayer Leverkusen in late May 2025. Amorim, by contrast, was away from the game for just five months.

Acquiring Land for New Stadium

Manchester United have yet to lodge a planning application for a new 100,000-seat stadium that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe envisions as a 'Wembley of the north.' Yet the club has already spent a considerable sum simply preparing for that stage of the process.

To secure sufficient land for construction while keeping the existing Old Trafford stadium fully operational—rather than following the Tottenham Hotspur or Barcelona model of temporarily relocating—United agreed a deal to acquire neighboring land currently home to a major freight hub.

The 25-acre plot in question is confirmed in the accounts to have cost $84.1 million (£63.5 million). That figure represents only a small fraction of the estimated $2.65 billion (£2 billion) price tag for actually constructing the new stadium.