Man United to accelerate ‘money-spinning plan’ as implications of latest setback revealed
Manchester United’s financial situation has been a hot topic of debate over the past few months.
Man United generate the second-highest revenue in the Premier League after their turnover increased from £661.8million in 2023-24 to £666.5m last season.
However, that figure is expected to fall this season due to the lack of European football at Old Trafford and their recent results on the field.
Man United lost 2-1 to Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday (11 January), ensuring they are now out of every competition.
The Manchester giants are seventh in the Premier League table and 17 points behind leaders Arsenal, meaning qualification for the Champions League is their last remaining hope of salvaging the campaign.
How Man United’s cup exit will impact their financial situation
While the defeat to Brighton came as a major blow, it wasn’t the 20-time English champions’ biggest disappointment in the cup competitions this season.
Man United were beaten by Grimsby Town on penalties in the second round of the Carabao Cup in August under former boss Ruben Amorim.
Alongside missing out on the chance to win a trophy, those defeats do have significant financial implications.
The Telegraph reported on Monday (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 £160.3m last season, meaning Man United 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.
How much could Man United earn from mid-season friendly?
Man United have been considering playing a mid-season friendly to fill their anticipated revenue gap for the campaign.
It was previously reported a trip to Saudi Arabia could be the favoured option as they look to maximise their financial opportunities.
Finance expert Dan Plumley told Football Insider Man United could earn around £5m per game in the Middle Eastern country.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Old Trafford chiefs accelerate those plans following the defeat to Brighton.
While securing a return to European football remains the priority, there will be a desire to fill the significant gap in revenue over the coming months.
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