Credit: Imago

Man United 'spin' doesn't cover up the truth, club are in trouble and it's 'coming home to roost'

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

Published on:

11 Mar 2026, 2:30 am

Manchester United's plans to build a new Old Trafford stadium could face financial hurdles due to the club's mounting debt.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, after Man United recorded debt of nearly £1.3billion in their latest financial accounts.

The Red Devils owe over £400million in transfer fee payments to other clubs, with Man United having borrowed more than £100m to fund their summer spending spree last year.

Man United posted an operating profit in their financial accounts, but the club are in need of Champions League football next season to increase matchday and broadcast revenue.

Champions League football 'covering up the cracks' at Man United

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs - thinks the debt is worrying for Man United.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes the new stadium project could be one issue the club faces due to the debt.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It ain't as rosy as they've tried to spin it right now.

"I think there are a lot of dark clouds around that debt number. £1.3 billion is a lot of debt. And so, at some stage, that'll come home to roost.

"So particularly if they're looking at things like a new stadium, et cetera, these things have all got to, you know, they're all going to be taken into account.

"So the Champions League might just cover up the cracks for another season, but we'll see where they go from there.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox looking concerned

(Credit: Imago)

Man United wage bill predicted to increase

Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Man United will have to spend in the summer transfer window to strengthen their squad if they qualify for the Champions League.

That means the club's wage bill is likely to increase next season, with Man United currently paying out £313m in player wages.

Michael Carrick's side currently sit third in the Premier League table with nine matches left to play, with a three-point gap between themselves and fifth-placed Chelsea.

Manchester United

Keith Wyness