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Return of fans boosts United revenues

 The return of fans to stadiums can be seen in Manchester United's first accounts of the season, with revenues for the three months to September 30 rising to £126.5 million, up from £109 million at the same stage of last year.

Match-day income at Old Trafford accounted for £18.8 million, a huge increase from the £1.7 million in 2020, and a sign that normality is coming back to football finances.

The jump meant that United's loss for the quarter was down from £27.1 million to £10.2 million and expectations are the club will turn a profit again as the games continue at maximum capacity.

United's commercial revenue was up by eight per cent despite a slight dip in sponsorship earnings because the Megastore was reopened after laying dormant for more than a year. The interest generated by Cristiano Ronaldo's signing only accounts for one month of the figures released.

Broadcast revenue was down nine per cent because of fewer matches being shown on television, after the rush to complete the 2019-20 season behind closed doors.

United also recorded a profit of £17.4 million on the disposal of intangible assets (essentially transfers), compared to a loss of £12.6 million for the prior year quarter. The latest upturn is due to the sale of Dan James and the sell-on related to Romelu Lukaku's move from Inter Milan to Chelsea.

Employee wages for the quarter stood at £88.5million, an increase of £16.6 million (23.1 per cent) due to investment in the squad — the signings of Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, and Jadon Sancho.

Net debt remained largely unchanged, now standing at £439.7 million, compared to £440.6 million at the same stage last year. But dividends will once again be paid to shareholders, the latest biannual tranche on January 7 equating to around £9.4 million for the Glazer family and £2.5 million for other investors.

 

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  1. Derek's Photography18 November 2021 at 00:44

    The attendance revenue shows how much power the fans have, if they collectively resolved to stay away the revenue would fall exponentially and the Glazers might have to rethink their positions or strategy. A new fans investment scheme will bring in more money without any loss of power or change of heart. They will still take out money, the Club will still have a debt and the voting power will remain with the Glazers.

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