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Manchester United has begun fiscal 2026 on shaky financial ground, posting a first-quarter net loss, falling revenues across all core streams, and rising reliance on debt facilities despite cost-cutting measures implemented over the past year.
The club reported a net loss of £6.6 million for the three months to 30 September 2025, a sharp reversal from the £1.4 million profit recorded in the same period last year. Basic earnings per share fell into negative territory at –3.85 pence, compared to +0.78 pence in 2024.
Revenues Decline Across the Board
Total revenue dropped 2% to £140.3 million, with all major categories posting declines:
- Commercial revenue slipped 1.3% to £84.2m, driven by a 9.3% fall in sponsorship income, signalling ongoing pressure on one of the club’s traditionally strongest revenue pillars.
- Broadcasting revenue fell sharply by 4.5%, as the club suffered the financial impact of not participating in UEFA competition this quarter, compared with Europa League involvement last year.
- Matchday revenue dipped 1.1% despite stable home fixture numbers.
The drop in commercial and broadcast income underscores the lingering effects of last season’s on-pitch underperformance and weakened brand momentum.
Profitability Masked by Player Sales
While United recorded a nominal operating profit of £13.0 million, this figure relies heavily on the £45.0 million profit from player sales. Excluding these disposals, the underlying financial picture remains fragile, as reflected in the widening net loss.
Even adjusted metrics, often used by clubs to present a smoother snapshot, failed to escape deterioration. The adjusted net loss increased nearly tenfold, rising to £2.6 million, compared with £0.3 million in 2024.
Cash Flow Weakens as Spending Rises
Operational cash generation deteriorated significantly, with the club posting a £1.3 million outflow from operating activities, compared with a £13.3 million inflow last year. This shift highlights weaker underlying trading performance and less favourable working-capital movements.
Capital expenditure surged:
- £17.0 million spent on property and training ground upgrades
- £162.6 million on player registrations, only partially offset by player-sale proceeds
As a result, total cash and cash equivalents fell from £149.6 million to £80.5 million year-on-year, a 46% decline.
Debt Reliance Intensifies
Manchester United continued to lean on borrowing to bolster its liquidity. The club drew down £105 million from its revolving credit facilities this quarter, though even this infusion was far lower than the £200 million raised in the prior year period.
Total current borrowings climbed to £268.0 million, up from £232.3 million last year, while USD-denominated long-term borrowings remain unchanged at $650 million. The club also suffered a heavy hit from currency markets: unrealised foreign-exchange losses contributed to £21.4 million in net finance costs, compared to £8.6 million of income in the equivalent 2024 quarter, a swing of more than £30 million.
Cost Cuts Fail to Offset Structural Pressures
Although employee costs fell 8.2% due to last year’s redundancy programme, other operating expenses continued to rise. Depreciation and amortisation also increased, reflecting an inflated wage-bill legacy and expanding asset valuations tied to player acquisitions.
Outlook Steady Despite Ongoing Risks
The club reiterated full-year guidance of £640m–£660m in revenue and adjusted EBITDA of £180m–£200m, but the first-quarter numbers show significant work remains to stabilise its financial footing.
With revenues declining, cash flow weakening, and debt loads remaining heavy, Manchester United enters the remainder of fiscal 2026 under mounting pressure to translate cost-cutting measures and squad investment into both on-field results and stronger financial performance.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Michał Lis, Unsplash / Colin + Meg
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