Man Utd fall to their lowest position in the Deloitte Football Money League, marking a significant shift for a club once seen as the gold standard of football’s commercial power. The latest rankings highlight declining revenues, reduced European involvement, and growing competition from domestic and continental rivals.
United’s Revenue Slide Exposed in Latest Deloitte Rankings
Manchester United’s financial dominance has taken another hit after the latest Deloitte Football Money League confirmed a sharp downturn in their global standing. Man Utd fall to their lowest position in the 2026 rankings, dropping to eighth overall after years of being football’s commercial benchmark. The club once topped the list 10 times, most recently in 2017, but changing fortunes on and off the pitch have altered that trajectory.
A major factor behind the decline is a significant reduction in broadcast revenue. United earned 206 million euros from broadcasting, down from 258 million euros the previous cycle, largely due to their absence from the Champions League in the 2024–25 season. As a result, Man Utd fall to their lowest position at a time when European participation is proving increasingly vital to financial growth. Deloitte’s findings underline how closely revenue now mirrors continental success, and Man Utd fall to their lowest position as a clear consequence of missing out.
Fewer Matches, Lower Matchday Income
The outlook for matchday revenue has also worsened. Manchester United are set to play only 20 competitive fixtures at Old Trafford during the 2025–26 season after failing to progress in domestic cup competitions and missing out on European football entirely. This reduction has directly impacted gate receipts and hospitality income, another reason Man Utd fall to their lowest position in the table.
Deloitte Sports Business Group leader Tim Bridge noted that United were once industry leaders in both matchday and commercial revenue. However, he believes that edge has eroded. While United remain one of the biggest global brands, Man Utd fall to their lowest position highlights the need for modern, fit-for-purpose facilities and a more diversified, year-round fan engagement model. Without those changes, Man Utd fall to their lowest position may not be a one-off.
Rivals Surge as United Look to Rebuild
Liverpool emerged as the highest-ranked English club for the first time, sitting fifth overall after returning to the Champions League and boosting commercial income. Real Madrid topped the Money League after becoming the first club to surpass one billion euros in revenue. Against this backdrop, Man Utd fall to their lowest position while rivals capitalise on on-field success and global competitions.
Despite the gloomy figures, Deloitte believes opportunity remains. Planned stadium redevelopment and commercial expansion could help United recover lost ground. Still, the 2026 Money League serves as a warning that without sustained success and innovation, Man Utd fall to their lowest position may signal a longer-term shift in football’s financial hierarchy.
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