‘A handbrake on Manchester United’ – Why financial results aren’t as rosy as they look

Manchester United posted record revenues of £677.6 million for the 2025/26 season despite playing only 40 matches without European football. However, football finance expert Kieran Maguire warned that the club's growing financial commitments continue to hinder operations. The club faced roughly £70 million in interest payments, pushing total interest costs past £1 billion under the Glazer family's ownership.

United's gross debt climbed to approximately £689 million following summer debt refinancing to acquire land for a proposed 100,000-seater stadium. Maguire noted that debt rescheduled at higher interest rates acts as a handbrake, increasing pressure on the pitch while facilities lag behind rivals like Tottenham Hotspur.