Leagues: EPL

Manchester United debt surges past $1.25 billion for first time

The Glazers’ decision to sell Manchester United will have to take the mounting debt at the club into account. According to the latest reports, Manchester United’s debt now exceeds $1.25 billion. That is the highest it has ever been. It is contributing to the growing discontent among the Manchester United fanbase.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United’s immense debt is largely coming from a trio of places. Those are gross debt, bank borrowings and outstanding transfer fees. The transfer payments take the headlines for most soccer fans, as those contribute directly to on-the-field product. Over the last decade, Manchester United’s net spending exceeds any other club in the world. United’s net spend is $380 million more than Chelsea in second on that list.

Worse off, those outstanding transfer fees continue to balloon. United owes $350 million in outstanding transfer fees. Yet, this does not include any business from the summer of 2023. United’s balance in the most recent transfer window was a loss of $163 million.

Selling Manchester United would, at the least, take some pressure off the Glazer family’s worry over this debt. However, neither Sheikh Jassim nor Sir Jim Ratcliffe look any more likely to take over the Old Trafford Club. The Glazers’ valuation of Manchester United continues to grow at an even faster rate than the debt, perhaps scaring away the two bidders.

Manchester United supporters grow increasingly frustrated with debt figures

The Manchester United Supporters Trust, or MUST, warned the Glazers of dark days if the family decides not to sell. Growing unrest among the fanbase has made the owners remarkably unpopular among the United faithful. Last week, MUST threatened “chaos and disruption” if the Glazers hold on to the club.

Manchester United supporters have a history of wearing green and yellow scarves to protest the Glazers. Also, fans often sit in after games singing chants that call for the Glazers to sell.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Wirestock

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