Exclusive: Man United face new stadium blow after £1bn+ reveal
Manchester United could be forced to put their new stadium plans on hold due to the club’s existing debt, sources have told Football Insider.
Man United have announced plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium as part of the government’s regeneration of the Old Trafford area.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has insisted he wants the new stadium, which the club believe will cost around £2billion, to be the “world’s greatest” and potentially be completed within five years.
However, BBC Sport reported on Friday (19 September) Man United now owe almost £1.1bn after releasing their accounts for 2024-25 earlier this week.
Sources have told Football Insider Ruben Amorim’s side could have to put their new stadium plans on hold due to the existing debt at Old Trafford, unless their shareholders or any new investors can put equity into the club.
Man United’s new stadium could cost £4bn
Man United smashed their club-record revenue again in 2024-25 after their turnover increased from £661.8m to £666.5m.
That ensures Man United continue to bring in the second-highest revenue in the Premier League behind Manchester City, who are yet to post their latest figures but generated £715m of turnover in 2023-24.
Sourcing the funds for the new stadium remains an issue for Old Trafford chiefs due to the costs involved.
Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider Man United could be facing a £4bn bill to complete the development after a rise in inflation.
While Ratcliffe increasing his stake or external investors coming in remain an option, it is believed the club’s share price, which stands at just above $15 (£11.13), could present a potential issue.
Ratcliffe purchased an initial 27.7 per cent stake in Man United in February 2024 after agreeing a £1.25bn deal with the Glazers and has since increased his shareholding to 28.9 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Glazers, who bought a 98 per cent stake at Old Trafford in 2005, have since seen their shareholding diluted to 48.9 per cent.
Man United get significant boost in commercial revenue
In terms of other key financials within Man United’s latest accounts, there was a significant uplift in commercial income, which improved from £302.9m in 2023-24 to £333.3m last season.
The 20-time English champions’ broadcast revenue fell from £221.8m to £172.9m due to their lack of Champions League football, while matchday income increased from £137.1m to £160.3m.
Man United’s losses fell dramatically across the campaign from £113.2m in 2023-24 to £33m last season, with their wage bill also dropping from £364.7m to £313.2m.
Amorim’s side finished 15th in the Premier League table in 2024-25, while they have picked up four points from their opening four games this season.
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