Manchester United have published their financial report for Q2 and, surprise, surprise, they still owe absolutely tonnes of money.
Sharing the figures for the three months leading up to 31 December on Thursday as we approach the end of the tax year, the club revealed that, in total, the club still owe just shy of £1 billion in various outstanding sums.
Not only does this mark nearly 18 years of debt since the Glazer leveraged buyout in 2005, which immediately put them in over £500 million’s worth of debt, but it also means that the total amount has grown larger and the chances of an imminent takeover are now even more likely.
Breaking down the figures into different sections, Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol explained how although’s United principal debt remains at approximately $650m, a change in the exchange rate meant they owed £535.7m compared to £477.1m at the same point in the previous year. It’s still growing…
🔴 Breakdown of Manchester United's Q2 financial figures
📈 Debt up to £535m 📈 Borrowed £206m – totalling £741.9m ❌ Glazer family will not be taking a dividend in this quarter 📉 Wage bill is down 21% – decrease of £20.4m
In case you weren’t aware of just how much United still owe…
Through a combination of gross debt, bank loans and transfer costs with associated fees still yet to be paid, the club owe a whopping £969.6m in outstanding sums. Crikey.
On top the flat rate of debt, £206.2m has been taken from a rolling credit facility (various loans), with another £227.7m owed in outstanding transfer fees, having spent £211.5m on incoming players last summer and a further £49m in the January transfer window as well.
On the other side, despite an increase in debt has increased and overall revenue dropping by 10%, commercial revenue is said to have increased by 43.2% from just £6.3m to over £50m.
The board have insisted to the BBC that figures are evidence of a “stretched” financial situation and that income such as ticket sales are looking as “impressive” as ever. However, it is also worth noting that wages have only gone down mainly because the team dropped out of the Champions League.
Furthermore, although none of the Glazer family members took out a dividend for the first time in six years, they also failed to have an investors’ call following the latest financial statement given the ongoing discussions with bidders looking to buy them out.
There are still said to be as many as eight candidates looking to buy the club, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Qatari’s still leading the race — though new legislation on ‘fit and proper’ owners soon to be brought in by the Premier League could prove problematic for the latter given their human rights record.
Elsewhere, one of the other bidders is Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus, whose approach to buying the club is an interesting one, to say the least, and while potentially ‘debt free’, it would take some doing.
The proposal even involves an app where fans will 'control club decisions'.https://t.co/Im5qgDyyOC
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships
Danny Jones
A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.
12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.
Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.
Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.
Credit: Supplied
Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.
“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”
Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”
The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)
As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.
“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”
They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.
Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”
There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Danny Jones -
31st March 2023 
