Manchester United’s wage bill has grown by more than 24 per cent from last season, partly due to the club’s return to the Champions League this term.
The club have published their latest financial figures, which show that the club’s wage bill — already the largest in the Premier League last season at £384.1million — has grown again, reaching £479m.
United recorded a club-record revenue of £648.4m last season but still made a £42.1m loss. They are forecasting a new revenue high of between £635m and £665m this season.
The club’s historic debt has remained at £508.1m, but the club saw £156m invested in it when Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed the purchase of his 27.7 per cent share of the club. Another £78m investment is expected to follow.
Revenue from sponsorship dropped by 22 per cent, and commercial revenue fell by £6.9m. Its retail revenue grew by 15.2 per cent, in part due to the club’s extended kit deal with adidas.
Speaking about the club’s latest finances, United’s chief financial officer, Cliff Baty, said: “We delivered strong revenues during the first half of the fiscal year and have reiterated our guidance for record revenues for the full fiscal year.
“This is an exciting time at Manchester United following the completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment, and we are all focused on working together with our new co-owners to drive the club forward and deliver success on the pitch.”
