Manchester United swings into Q1 net loss as European competition absence hits revenue

[MANCHESTER] Manchester United swung to a first-quarter net loss on Thursday (Dec 11), weighed by lower broadcasting revenue and ticket sales as the club sits out European competitions this season.

The Old Trafford club posted a net loss of £6.6 million (S$11.4 million) for the quarter ended Sep 30, compared with a profit of £1.4 million a year ago. Total revenue for the quarter fell 2 per cent, with player and staff wages falling 8.2 per cent due to job cuts.

“The difficult decisions we have made in the past year have resulted in a sustainably lower cost base and a more streamlined, effective organisation equipped to drive the club towards improved sporting and commercial performance over the long-term,” CEO Omar Berrada said in a statement.

The club turned to job cuts and other cost-saving measures after six consecutive years of financial losses, underscoring the struggles of the 20-time English champions that have underperformed both on and off the pitch.

Manchester United retained its fiscal 2026 revenue forecast between £640 million and £660 million, and core profit in the range of £180 million to £200 million.

Minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, who holds roughly 29 per cent stake and oversees football operations, has raised ticket prices, even as the club spent about £230 million in the summer transfer window and announced plans for a new £2-billion, 100,000-seat stadium.

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The club’s absence from European competitions this season is denting broadcasting revenue and intensifying financial pressure, fuelling criticism from supporters at a time when the team has struggled to compete domestically. REUTERS