What are Man Utd’s financial results?
Manchester United revealed their latest quarterly financial results on Wednesday and there was mixed news.
On the positive side, Man Utd’s total revenue rose by 16.1 per cent during the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year to £126.5 million.
However, this was to be expected given fans have now returned to Old Trafford, having been locked out during the Coronavirus pandemic last season.
Matchday revenue was thus up from £1.7m at this time last year to £18.8m.
Commercial revenue also increased 7.9 per cent to £64.4m.
Operating losses decreased from £27.1m to £10.2m.
Man Utd wages: How much does each player earn?
Man Utd's wage bill rises
On the negative side, Man Utd’s wage bill soared by 23 per cent during the first quarter.
The wage bill rose by £16.6m compared to the same period of the 2020-21 financial year.
🗣️ "While these financial results today demonstrate our resilience through the pandemic, our top priority is success on the pitch." #MUFC's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward comments on the club's latest financial results.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 17, 2021
This was chiefly due to the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned to the club from Juventus shortly before deadline day.
The 36-year-old is on a two-year contract, with the option of a third, worth around £26.5m a year.
The signings of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho also proved to be costly both in terms of transfer fees (over £100m for the pair) and salaries. Varane is on £17.6m a year and Sancho on £18.2m.
Man Utd’s club debt also remained virtually the same. It was £440.6m last year and has dropped only very slightly to £439.7m.
Man Utd’s outgoing executive vice chairman Ed Woodward, who is set to leave at the end of the year, said: "While these financial results today demonstrate our resilience through the pandemic, our top priority is success on the pitch.
"The manager, players and everyone at the club are determined to achieve that objective."