Manchester United report £43m net loss and sell Old Trafford pitch squares for £125
Manchester United posted a seventh consecutive annual net loss of £43 million despite generating record revenue of £677.6 million, as the club concurrently launched £125 glass-encased pitch mementos.
Seventh consecutive annual deficit
Manchester United reported a net loss of £43 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2026, marking their seventh straight annual deficit and bringing cumulative losses since 2019 to nearly £450 million. The bottom-line loss expanded from £33 million the previous year despite record total revenue of £677.6 million, an increase of 1.7% from £666.5 million. Operating profit reached £22.6 million, bolstered by £46.9 million in player disposal profits largely from selling Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea. However, net financing charges rose by 228.3% to £69.6 million, driven primarily by foreign exchange movements and debt service, fully erasing operational gains. Total wage costs dropped by £11.3 million to £302 million, representing 44% of revenue and reaching their lowest point since the 2019–20 season following squad restructuring and administrative job reductions.
Chief executive Omar Berrada addressed the strategic financial trajectory in an official statement.
We will continue to take a disciplined approach to ensure our finances remain sustainable.
- Revenue
- 677.6 £m
- Wage bill
- 302 £m
- Net finance costs
- 69.6 £m
- Player sale profit
- 46.9 £m
- Net loss
- 43 £m
Stadium development and debt obligations
The club confirmed that total debt remains above £1 billion, falling from £1.3 billion at the end of December. The balance includes £577.6 million in pre-existing borrowing, £111.4 million drawn from an available £400 million revolving credit facility, and £473 million in payables of which approximately 75% represents outstanding transfer fees. United also spent £63.5 million to purchase a 25-acre parcel of land 350 yards from the current ground, advancing minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plan to build a 100,000-seat stadium estimated to cost in excess of £2 billion. Cash reserves closed the fiscal year at £67.2 million, down from £86.1 million in 2025 and £308 million recorded at the conclusion of 2018–19.
- 2019
- 308 £m
- 2025
- 86.1 £m
- 2026
- 67.2 £m
Turf mementos put on sale
On the same day financial statements were released, United opened sales for preserved fragments of the Old Trafford pitch. In June, groundsperson Tony Sinclair and his turf team dug up and regrew the playing surface down to its foundations for the first time in 14 years to improve drainage and player safety. The club preserved sections of the old grass, packaging 7x7 centimetre pieces inside glass cubes housed in black presentation boxes. Each cube was listed on the club website for £125, equivalent to approximately €145 or $165.49. The first batch offered to supporters sold out on the day of release.
United announced the initiative through an official release on their website.
Wins and losses, successes and failures, highs and lows. We've seen it all. Now, supporters can own a piece of the pitch.
Management changes and sporting form
Full-year results recorded exceptional costs of £8.2 million, primarily tied to the January departure of head coach Ruben Amorim and his staff. The liability decreased from an initial £16.7 million estimate recorded in May because Amorim was subsequently hired by AC Milan. Under manager Michael Carrick, United secured third place in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League, prompting forward revenue guidance of £740 million to £760 million for the 2026–27 fiscal year. In the summer transfer window, United invested £148 million on midfield signings Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, and Youri Tielemans. Carrick's side sits 12th in the Premier League standings after winning one of their opening five league fixtures.
