Man United are missing out on ‘millions of pounds’ after crushing blow – ‘The damage is done’
Manchester United’s lack of on-field success in recent years is starting to impact the financial situation at Old Trafford.
Man United lost 2-1 to Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup on 11 January, ensuring they are now out of every competition this season.
The Telegraph reported on 12 January the early cup exits could strengthen the prospect of Man United playing a money-spinning mid-season friendly as the newspaper detailed the anticipated hole in the club’s accounts following their on-field woes.
The matchday income at Old Trafford was £160.3million last season, meaning the 20-time English champions generated around £5.3m per game from their 30 home matches.
The figure could be set to drop by around £53m this season, with a maximum of 20 games to be played at the 74,000-seater stadium following the latest cup exit.
Finance expert reveals the true cost of Man United’s on-field woes
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Man United’s defeat to Brighton is not that significant financially as the “damage is already done” due to their lack of European football.
The biggest disappointment came earlier in the season when Man United were beaten by Grimsby Town on penalties in the second round of the Carabao Cup under former boss Ruben Amorim.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the financial implications of fewer games being played at Old Trafford, Borson said: “There are a few different layers to it.
“If you think about where they were after the Brighton game, we’re talking about are they going to get another two home games? That’s all realistically.
“You’re in the fourth round. Obviously, they could get a fourth round, fifth round, sixth round, but you’re probably not going to get more than two at home, so it’s not that significant on that in that respect.
“The damage is already done. You’ve got a season where you went out in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Again, none of it’s that significant, but it is home games.”
Why Man City are better placed financially than Man United this season
Borson revealed Man City could be set to play 10 more home games than Man United this season following their success in each competition.
“If you were to compare it to City, I don’t know how many games they are going to have at home this season, but let’s say 30,” said Borson.
“United are going to have 20. That’s 10 home games with literally millions of pounds per game on ticket revenue. It’s a big difference.
“But the damage is already done. I think the FA Cup thing is just another nail financially in this season’s profit and loss.”
Man United generate the second-highest revenue in the Premier League after their turnover increased from £661.8m in 2023-24 to £666.5m last season.
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