Manchester United has paid around £852 million in net interest since the Glazer family took over the club in 2005. This information comes from football finance expert Swiss Ramble, as Manchester City’s recent financial ruling puts more attention on their city rivals' finances.
The BBC reported this figure on Monday after a Premier League panel found that Manchester City had overstated their income by over £830 million. The panel stated, "The club’s income was hugely overstated by over £830 million."
According to BBC Sport, this ruling came just five days after United submitted their end-of-year accounts to the New York Stock Exchange for the financial year ending June 30, 2026. The accounts revealed that United paid £37 million in interest for the year, which is an increase from £34 million the year before.
Swiss Ramble’s estimate shows that United’s total net interest payments since the Glazer takeover now stand at £852 million. The club’s total debt has also climbed to £1.15 billion after borrowing an extra £90 million, according to their latest accounts.
This is a big rise from £667 million in debt reported in the accounts to June 2021. The club reported record revenue of £677.6 million and expects revenue to reach as high as £760 million for the 2026-27 financial year.
United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, commented on the club’s latest accounts, saying, "While these results confirm that we are on the right trajectory, we will continue to take a disciplined approach to ensure our finances remain sustainable."
The club also shared that it spent £191.7 million on new players and related costs since June 30, with payments spread over the next five years. United’s transfer debt was £375 million before June 30, with £218 million due before June 30, 2027.
Additionally, the club mentioned it could be responsible for another £122.8 million in potential contract payments if current players meet certain targets. In June, United added $125 million (£94.36 million) to their main debt when they restructured their borrowing.
On September 23, the club stated it spent £63.5 million on land for a planned new stadium, but the exact funding plan is not yet clear. United’s finances have also been impacted by their transfer activities.
When the latest transfer window closed on September 1, the club made £47 million from player sales, ranking 11th in the Premier League for transfer income. Since selling Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan for £74 million in 2019, United has earned more than £25 million from a player on only four occasions, involving Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay, Rasmus Hojlund, and Alejandro Garnacho.
BBC Sport noted that United has been increasingly adding sell-on and buy-back clauses in deals for young players to boost revenue from player sales. The club’s current financial situation comes amid ongoing protests from some supporters against the ownership.
In June 2023, Premier League clubs agreed to limit future leveraged buyouts to around 65 percent of a club’s value. The BBC stated that the negativity surrounding Manchester City’s financial case has indirectly highlighted the situation at Old Trafford.
United now needs to manage its spending on players alongside its debt, outstanding transfer payments, and plans for a new stadium. Their financial status also makes qualifying for the Champions League crucial due to the revenue tied to European football.
United received £80 million in prize money for reaching the Champions League quarter-finals in 2017-18, compared to £31 million for reaching the Europa League final in 2024-25. Under their new shirt deal with Adidas, United will face a £10 million annual cut if they do not qualify for the Champions League.
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