Manchester United Reports £140.3 Million Revenue for Q1 FY2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 11 2025
0mins
Should l Buy MANU?
Source: Businesswire
- Financial Performance: Manchester United reported total revenue of £140.3 million for Q1 FY2026, a 2% decline from the previous year, indicating pressure on commercial income in a competitive market environment.
- Commercial Revenue Decline: Commercial revenue stood at £84.2 million, down 1.3% year-over-year, primarily due to weak market demand impacting sponsorship and merchandise sales.
- Cost Control Efforts: Total operating expenses were £172.4 million, a 7.1% decrease year-over-year, yet employee benefit expenses remained high at £73.6 million, highlighting the club's ongoing challenges and efforts in cost management.
- Financial Loss: The club reported a net loss of £6.64 million for the quarter, a significant drop from a profit of £1.33 million in the same period last year, reflecting financial pressures and uncertainties during the restructuring process.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy MANU?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on MANU
About MANU
Manchester United plc and its subsidiaries are a men’s and women’s professional football club together with related and ancillary activities. It generates revenue from multiple sources, including Commercial, Broadcasting and Matchday. Within the Commercial sector, it monetizes its global brand via two revenue streams: sponsorship and retail, merchandising, apparel, and product licensing. It benefits from the distribution of live football content directly from the revenue it receives and indirectly through increased global exposure to its commercial partners. Its broadcasting revenue is derived from the television rights relating to the Premier League, UEFA club competitions and other competitions. In addition, its wholly owned global television channel, MUTV, delivers Manchester United programming to territories around the world. Matchday operates Old Trafford, a football club stadium with over 74,197 seats, inclusive of accessible platforms accommodating 556 disabled supporters.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Dell, Heineken, and 28 Additional Selections for 2026 from the Barron’s Roundtable
Dramatic Start to 2026: The year has begun with significant tensions, likened to a transition from conflict to peace efforts.
Greenland's Political Situation: Greenland was on the verge of becoming the seventh state of New England, highlighting its unique geopolitical status.
See More
Manchester United Strikes Multi-Million Pound TV Deal with Lionsgate
- Historical Drama Agreement: Manchester United has reached a deal with U.S. media production company Lionsgate to create a TV show based on the club's history, ensuring a guaranteed sum in the low multi-million pounds, which could significantly enhance the club's brand value and revenue potential if the show is produced and sold.
- Future Revenue Sharing: The agreement stipulates that future royalties will be shared between Manchester United and Lionsgate, with the value increasing based on the number of seasons, episodes, and the size of any deal, providing the club with a sustainable financial benefit and enhancing its long-term financial stability.
- Creative Team Involvement: British writer and director Jed Mercurio, known for hit series Bodyguard and Line of Duty, is involved in discussions about the project and is a lifelong Manchester United fan, which will help ensure the show's quality and appeal, further enhancing the club's cultural influence.
- Market Potential Analysis: The show's concept is similar to Netflix's popular historical drama The Crown, and if successfully launched, it is expected to attract global Manchester United fans and history drama enthusiasts, potentially creating new revenue streams and increasing the club's visibility and influence in the global market.
See More
Analysts Upgrade Earnings Outlook for Communication Services, Angel Studios and Others Rated A+
- Earnings Upgrades: As earnings season approaches, analysts have positively revised earnings expectations for communication services companies, with Angel Studios (ANGX) receiving an A+ EPS Revision Grade, indicating growing market confidence in its near-term performance.
- Strong Small-Cap Performance: EverQuote (EVER), Grindr (GRND), and ZoomInfo Technologies (GTM) also achieved A+ EPS Revision Grades, suggesting that these mid- and small-cap communication services firms possess robust growth potential, likely attracting increased investor interest.
- Increased Market Confidence: IHS Holding (IHS), JOYY (JOYY), and Manchester United (MANU) also received A+ EPS Revision Grades, reflecting analysts' optimistic outlook on their profitability and market performance, which may drive their stock prices higher.
- Positive Industry Outlook: Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri (TKC), Uniti Group (UNIT), and Anterix (ATEX) also excelled in EPS Revision Grades, highlighting the growth potential within the communication services sector, presenting investment opportunities for investors to consider.
See More
Elon Musk's Wealth Soars to $619 Billion as Tesla Stock Rises 18.6%
- Wealth Surge: Elon Musk's wealth increased by $187 billion in 2025, ending the year with a net worth of $619 billion, making him the first person to surpass $600 billion, highlighting his significant influence in the electric vehicle and aerospace sectors.
- Tesla Stock Performance: Tesla's stock rose by 18.6% in 2025, providing strong support for Musk's wealth growth, with a new pay package potentially awarding him nearly $1 trillion in shares, further accelerating his financial ascent.
- Potential SpaceX IPO: SpaceX is expected to pursue an IPO that could value the company at $1.5 trillion, bringing Musk closer to the goal of becoming the world's first trillionaire, reflecting his strategic positioning in the aerospace industry.
- Sports Team Valuation Comparison: Musk's wealth exceeds the combined valuation of all teams in the four major North American sports leagues, totaling $536.825 billion, illustrating the relative scale of his immense fortune and his potential influence in investment circles.
See More
Manchester United Appoints Michael Carrick as Interim Manager Until 2026
- Interim Manager Appointment: Manchester United has appointed former midfielder Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the 2025-26 season, aiming to stabilize the team and boost morale following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this month.
- First Match Scheduled: Carrick's first match is set for January 17 against Manchester City at home, a crucial derby that will test his ability to lead the team and directly impact player morale and performance.
- Champions League Qualification Goal: Carrick's critical mandate is to guide Manchester United back to Champions League qualification, as participation in this elite competition will significantly enhance club revenues through UEFA prize money, broadcasting, matchday, and sponsorship income, directly affecting profitability.
- Stock Price Reaction: Following the announcement of Carrick's appointment, Manchester United's shares rose by 1.2% and increased by another 0.6% in premarket trading on Wednesday, indicating market optimism regarding the new manager's potential impact.
See More
Manchester United Parts Ways with Coach Amorim to Pursue Higher Premier League Finish
- Coaching Change: Manchester United has parted ways with coach Ruben Amorim after a disappointing 15th place finish in the Premier League last season, indicating the club's urgent need to improve its league standing moving forward.
- Ownership Impact: Amorim was the first managerial appointment following billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a minority stake in February 2024, and Ratcliffe's subsequent structural changes highlight his significant influence on the club's management dynamics.
- Management Tensions: Prior to his departure, Amorim hinted at tensions with the club hierarchy, emphasizing his desire to be a manager rather than just a coach, which reflects ongoing power struggles and unclear roles within the club.
- Interim Leadership: Manchester United has appointed former player Darren Fletcher to temporarily lead the team in their upcoming match against Burnley, a decision aimed at stabilizing the squad and quickly restoring competitive form.
See More
Dell, Heineken, and 28 Additional Selections for 2026 from the Barron’s Roundtable
Dramatic Start to 2026: The year has begun with significant tensions, likened to a transition from conflict to peace efforts.
Greenland's Political Situation: Greenland was on the verge of becoming the seventh state of New England, highlighting its unique geopolitical status.
See More
Manchester United Strikes Multi-Million Pound TV Deal with Lionsgate
- Historical Drama Agreement: Manchester United has reached a deal with U.S. media production company Lionsgate to create a TV show based on the club's history, ensuring a guaranteed sum in the low multi-million pounds, which could significantly enhance the club's brand value and revenue potential if the show is produced and sold.
- Future Revenue Sharing: The agreement stipulates that future royalties will be shared between Manchester United and Lionsgate, with the value increasing based on the number of seasons, episodes, and the size of any deal, providing the club with a sustainable financial benefit and enhancing its long-term financial stability.
- Creative Team Involvement: British writer and director Jed Mercurio, known for hit series Bodyguard and Line of Duty, is involved in discussions about the project and is a lifelong Manchester United fan, which will help ensure the show's quality and appeal, further enhancing the club's cultural influence.
- Market Potential Analysis: The show's concept is similar to Netflix's popular historical drama The Crown, and if successfully launched, it is expected to attract global Manchester United fans and history drama enthusiasts, potentially creating new revenue streams and increasing the club's visibility and influence in the global market.
See More
Analysts Upgrade Earnings Outlook for Communication Services, Angel Studios and Others Rated A+
- Earnings Upgrades: As earnings season approaches, analysts have positively revised earnings expectations for communication services companies, with Angel Studios (ANGX) receiving an A+ EPS Revision Grade, indicating growing market confidence in its near-term performance.
- Strong Small-Cap Performance: EverQuote (EVER), Grindr (GRND), and ZoomInfo Technologies (GTM) also achieved A+ EPS Revision Grades, suggesting that these mid- and small-cap communication services firms possess robust growth potential, likely attracting increased investor interest.
- Increased Market Confidence: IHS Holding (IHS), JOYY (JOYY), and Manchester United (MANU) also received A+ EPS Revision Grades, reflecting analysts' optimistic outlook on their profitability and market performance, which may drive their stock prices higher.
- Positive Industry Outlook: Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri (TKC), Uniti Group (UNIT), and Anterix (ATEX) also excelled in EPS Revision Grades, highlighting the growth potential within the communication services sector, presenting investment opportunities for investors to consider.
See More
Elon Musk's Wealth Soars to $619 Billion as Tesla Stock Rises 18.6%
- Wealth Surge: Elon Musk's wealth increased by $187 billion in 2025, ending the year with a net worth of $619 billion, making him the first person to surpass $600 billion, highlighting his significant influence in the electric vehicle and aerospace sectors.
- Tesla Stock Performance: Tesla's stock rose by 18.6% in 2025, providing strong support for Musk's wealth growth, with a new pay package potentially awarding him nearly $1 trillion in shares, further accelerating his financial ascent.
- Potential SpaceX IPO: SpaceX is expected to pursue an IPO that could value the company at $1.5 trillion, bringing Musk closer to the goal of becoming the world's first trillionaire, reflecting his strategic positioning in the aerospace industry.
- Sports Team Valuation Comparison: Musk's wealth exceeds the combined valuation of all teams in the four major North American sports leagues, totaling $536.825 billion, illustrating the relative scale of his immense fortune and his potential influence in investment circles.
See More
Manchester United Appoints Michael Carrick as Interim Manager Until 2026
- Interim Manager Appointment: Manchester United has appointed former midfielder Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the 2025-26 season, aiming to stabilize the team and boost morale following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this month.
- First Match Scheduled: Carrick's first match is set for January 17 against Manchester City at home, a crucial derby that will test his ability to lead the team and directly impact player morale and performance.
- Champions League Qualification Goal: Carrick's critical mandate is to guide Manchester United back to Champions League qualification, as participation in this elite competition will significantly enhance club revenues through UEFA prize money, broadcasting, matchday, and sponsorship income, directly affecting profitability.
- Stock Price Reaction: Following the announcement of Carrick's appointment, Manchester United's shares rose by 1.2% and increased by another 0.6% in premarket trading on Wednesday, indicating market optimism regarding the new manager's potential impact.
See More
Manchester United Parts Ways with Coach Amorim to Pursue Higher Premier League Finish
- Coaching Change: Manchester United has parted ways with coach Ruben Amorim after a disappointing 15th place finish in the Premier League last season, indicating the club's urgent need to improve its league standing moving forward.
- Ownership Impact: Amorim was the first managerial appointment following billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a minority stake in February 2024, and Ratcliffe's subsequent structural changes highlight his significant influence on the club's management dynamics.
- Management Tensions: Prior to his departure, Amorim hinted at tensions with the club hierarchy, emphasizing his desire to be a manager rather than just a coach, which reflects ongoing power struggles and unclear roles within the club.
- Interim Leadership: Manchester United has appointed former player Darren Fletcher to temporarily lead the team in their upcoming match against Burnley, a decision aimed at stabilizing the squad and quickly restoring competitive form.
See More
