MAN UNITED FINANCES: RECORD REVENUES BUT ANOTHER BIG LOSS AS CLUB COUNTS COST OF AMORIM FIRING

AC Milan's head coach Ruben Amorim holds the ball during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Lecce, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Manchester United made a loss of around $60 million despite record revenues in a season where the club paid nearly $10 million to fire another coach.

In its financial figures released Wednesday, United reported it earned $900 million in the fiscal year ending June 30 - slightly up from record sums the previous year - despite not playing in the Champions League.

The club´s revenue guidance for next year is up to $1 billion because the 20-time English champions are back playing in Europe´s top competition after a third-place finish in the Premier League. United began its Champions League campaign with a 4-0 win over Sabah from Azerbaijan, amid a poor start to the Premier League featuring just one win in five games.

Contributing to the losses were the costs associated with the departure of former coach Ruben Amorim, who was fired in January, and his staff.

It could have been more.

Manchester United's head coach Michael Carrick stands on the sidelines prior to the start of the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Manchester United in London, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

In February, United said in a financial filing that the cost of firing Amorim could reach more than $21 million but he has since taken a coaching job at AC Milan, saving United from paying more compensation.

United´s wage bill was about $400 million, down 3.6% on the previous year. The club attributed the drop to changes in the men´s first-team squad and cuts at the club over the last two years.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOUIS SALAH NOW WORTH OVER £4 BILLION FOLLOWING SUCCESS AFTER FOOTBALL

 

Throughout his career as a footballer, Louis Saha saw incredible success. His goalscoring exploits for the likes of Fulham, Everton and Manchester United saw him forge a solid legacy in the Premier League.

For over a decade, he was a key figure in the English top flight and during his time with the Red Devils, he won some major silverware. Whether it was the Premier League trophies or the Champions League title that he won, it's safe to say he was a very successful player.

With that said, he might just be even more successful away from the pitch, amassing a huge fortune in the years since his retirement. These days, Saha is worth a simply staggering £4.5 billion and has far surpassed the amount of money that he earned during his playing career.

Only one player has gone on to make more money once they've called time on their career and that's Matheu Flamini, who has built a net worth of over £21 billion through his time as co-owner of GF Biochemicals.

Saha's path is a little different. While he's built up a very impressive net worth, he hasn't done it through working with biochemicals and instead has done so while staying close to the world of sport.

Saha Set Up a Social Network for Sports Stars

After retiring from football, Saha decided to use all that he'd learned from his experiences in the beautiful game and set up a social network for sports athletes to converse, offer tips and share their experiences while competing at an elite level in their specific sports. The network, called Axis Stars, is only available to the ultra-wealthy and talented, and these days, it's valued at over £3.5 billion.

According to the company itself, Axis Stars is a community that 'facilitates authentic, win-win connections between pro-athletes & entertainers, their peers and trusted partners.' Saha formed the network with marketeer Kate Hamer and alongside technological executive Patrice Arnera and former Manchester United marketing guru Mike Farnan, it has gone from strength to strength.

It currently possesses thousands of users, including around 550 ex-professional athletes, and as a result, Saha's net worth has risen to a reported figure of £4.312 billion according to OLBG.

Saha Created the Network Due to a Gap in the Market

Speaking in an interview with CityAM back in 2014, around the time that Axis Stars was formed, Saha revealed that the idea and the desire to create such a network came from wishing that there was something similar during his own time on the pitch.

"I would have loved to be able to master my job better when I was playing but now I’ve retired, I still have a huge role to play sharing my experience with young players.

"I wish I had a platform like this as a player; it would have helped me manage my career and plan for the future a lot better."

 Several years later, in an interview with The Guardian, he spoke about how successful the launch of Axis Stars had been and revealed how the results had only made him more sure that it was the right move to make.

"I still get asked for advice by different people on a daily basis. For instance, my agent called me to say he had a talented French footballer who he wants to bring to England, and asked me for advice on how to create a tailor-made training programme. I put him in touch with people I used to work with.

"This kind of player could join Axis as he can then search for a personal coach in his region. It is a hard process but it’s so rewarding, because if I can help 100,000 people, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done."

His time off the pitch has been a major success, but it's important to remember just how good he was on it as well.

Saha Was a Fine Premier League Striker

While Saha has had some incredible success as a businessman over the last decade, he got into that position due to his superb career on the football pitch. Hailing from France, the forward got his start at Metz, and while the goals didn't come often, he scored five times for the club. After a brief, albeit unsuccessful loan spell with English side Newcastle United in 1999, where Saha scored just once in 11 appearances, he eventually moved to the country permanently when he signed with Fulham in 2000.

His time with the Cottagers was much stronger, and Saha lit the First Division up in his debut season with the club. The forward scored 32 times in 48 appearances as he helped lead them to the Premier League. He would then remain in the English top flight for the next 13 seasons.

His time at United is what he will be remembered for most, though, as the now 47-year-old spent four years at Old Trafford and played a key role in the side winning a pair of Premier League trophies and a Champions League title to go along with it.

A footballer's days on the pitch don't last forever and while players make a tonne of money during their careers, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll hold onto those finances for the rest of their lives. There have been numerous examples of ex-pros who have wound up bankrupt in the years after they've retired, but Saha's business acumen and intelligent moves have ensured that this certainly won't be the case for him.

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 20-09-26.

- Callum Altimas

"I DON'T USUALLY GET THIS ANGRY" | NEVILLE ON MANCHESTER UNITED DRAW WITH FULHAM | GARY NEVILLE PODCAST

 

FULHAM 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITED | POST-MATCH ANALYSIS

 

MANCHESTER UNITED MEME 😂

 

EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS | MANCHESTER UNITED 2-3 BRIGHTON |CARABAO CUP

 

MAN UNITED 3-4 BRIGHTON: DAMNING 50-YEAR RECORD BROKEN AT OLD TRAFFORD AS MICHAEL CARRICK FACES EARLY SACK CALLS

© Iconsport / PA Images

Manchester United's 3-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion was their first defeat at Old Trafford when leading by two goals since 1976.

The Red Devils welcomed Brighton Old Trafford on Wednesday in the third round of the EFL Cup, but they suffered a humiliating exit.

United were leading 2-0 by the 10th minute thanks to goals from Shea Lacey and Mason Mount, and most assumed that the hosts would progress.

Brighton's Charalampos Kostoulas found the visitors' first just before the half-time interval, before teammates Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper gave the Seagulls a 3-2 win.

Brighton's victory was the first time any side had visited Old Trafford and overturned a two-goal deficit to win at the stadium in 50 years.

Why have Manchester United started the season so poorly?

Many players in Carrick's squad are flawed in regard to their profile, with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo not particularly strong without the ball.

The club's defence is also ageing and vulnerable, while youngsters like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are yet to prove themselves.

MAN UNITED RESULTS

- Hull City 2-0 Man United (PL)

- Man United 5-2 Ipswich Town (PL)

- Everton 2-2 Man United (PL)

- Man United 4-0 Sabah (UCL)

- Man United 2-3 Brighton (EFL Cup)

Experienced defenders Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are relatively immobile, while Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford have disappointed on the left side of attack.

Captain Bruno Fernandes has started 2026-27 well, but he is now 32, and the captain will decline sooner rather than later.

© Iconsport / Andrew Yates / Sportimage

Michel Carrick future: Should Man United sack manager after Brighton loss?

Newcomer Tielemans was asked in pre-season about the type of training the squad were doing, and he revealed that they were mostly working with the ball rather than working on fitness.

The World Cup would no doubt have impacted Carrick's plans for the team, but while it is not possible to know the intensity of training, it is alarming that the Red Devils have looked poor physically so far this term.

If United continue to look as bad without the ball, then it should not be surprising if pressure ramps up on the head coach, though every manager at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson has been let down by the club in successive transfer windows.

- Lewis Nolan

BRUNO FERNANDES 'FIRST KICK' VAR AUDIO RELEASED AS MAN UNITED PUNISHMENT RECOMMEND

Bruno Fernandes was not cautioned despite appearing to kick Phil Foden while the Manchester City forward was on the floor, whereas Foden was sent off for his reaction towards the Portuguese midfielder.

Bruno Fernandes got away with a booking in the Manchester derby

Howard Webb has said Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes should have been shown a yellow card for appearing to swipe at Phil Foden, who was sat on the floor during the Manchester derby. Foden then reacted, kicking back and catching Fernandes with both feet in the lower abdomen, sending the Portuguese midfielder to the ground.

Referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation in producing a red card for Foden, who was left stunned, while Fernandes went unpunished despite kicking the City player first. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) could not recommend a yellow card because Oliver had already seen and acted on the incident.

Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up, chief refereeing officer Webb said: "So, taking those in order, Michael, I agree with the red card for Phil Foden for violent conduct. He kicks out with force into the upper body of Bruno Fernandes. We saw a player sent off for Aston Villa earlier in the season. Joao Gomes was sent off for a very similar thing, kicking with the studs into the body.

"And that's seen by the referee on the field, and that's the on-field call, a red card for Foden. Now, when you look at the footage, there is that petulant kick by Bruno Fernandes into the backside of Foden. It is more petulant than violent. To be violent conduct, it has to have excessive force or brutality, and when you look at that, particularly in full speed, it doesn't have those elements.

"So therefore, this would be a yellow card offence. And the VAR can't step in to recommend the referee looks at the screen to give a yellow card. Of course, if all of this is missed and nothing is given against Foden, then the VAR could step in so the referee could see Foden's actions for a possible red card, and they would capture Fernandes' yellow card action. But because the referee gave the red card on the field, that option is not open to the VAR."

Pro Ref, formerly PGMOL, have also released the VAR audio, with both the VAR and assistant VAR concluding that Fernandes kicked the ball rather than Foden himself.

Assistant VAR: "It was for a kick-out. It looks like he's given a foul and then the legs came up."

VAR: "Michael [referee], the penalty is checked and cleared. Just confirm your on-field decision in terms of discipline here, please."

Referee: "Red card, Phil Foden. Kick out into the body of Bruno [Fernandes]. The foul is by Bruno on Phil. I think he's in a tangle and when they are separating, I think Phil kicks him. But they will check."

VAR: "That looks like a clear red card to me. Secondary movement, watch broadcast. Okay, happy to confirm? Red card. Happy to confirm? Confirming the red card for Manchester City 47. A kick to the midriff with two feet."

"Just roll through to check that Bruno does nothing. I'm absolutely certain he doesn't. No, he kicks the ball; it's fine."

Assistant VAR: "No, the other one [Bruno's first kick]. That's not what they're talking about. That is the one they're talking about."

VAR: "Minimal, minimal. That's not for us; that's fine."

Assistant VAR: "Yeah, I agree."

At the time, a Premier League explanation read: "#MUNMCI – 23’ The referee's call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR."

Meanwhile, Roy Keane went as far as suggesting that Fernandes 'was the one who was violent' during the challenge. He told Sky Sports: "Bruno tackles him, fouls him, gives him a little boot on the floor, reacts and he's now sent off. Bruno catches him, Foden sent off, I guess it's classed as violent and to me, Bruno is the one who violent.

"I have to call it out, called it with Kyle Walker a few years ago when he went down after a head butt, we see violent differently. I don't think that's a red card for Foden, I don't. 'Did the referee get given a chance?'

"Foden is daft here but so is Bruno. If Bruno got sent off, we'd be saying, 'it was a daft, a bit silly.' Everyone's in a union, you've got to look out for each other. We saw Walker a few years ago do it with a head butt, Bruno has got to do better there. It's a big game, you've got to look after the opposition players as well. Foden, I don't think it's a red card."

Foden, who was sent off in the 23rd minute of the Manchester derby, now faces a three‑game ban, meaning the England international will miss Thursday night's Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City.

Premier League rules state that red cards issued in league matches carry over into other domestic competitions, including the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Yellow cards, however, remain competition‑specific.

As a result, City’s clash with Norwich will be the first match Foden sits out under the suspension. He will also be unavailable for City's Premier League return against Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, as well as the trip to Liverpool on October 11 following the international break.

- Bruna Reis

MANCHESTER UNITED CONFIRM 25-MAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SQUAD

Man United will return to the Champions League this season and they have named their European squad ahead of the competition starting next week.

The 2026/27 Champions League league phase starts next week

Manchester United have named their 25-man Champions League squad as they prepare for their return to the competition.

United kick off their European campaign next week with a home game against Sabah FK. The other seven sides the Reds will face in the league phase of the Champions League are Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Sporting, RB Leipzig, Villarreal and Como.

Teams competing in this season's Champions League had until Wednesday evening to submit their squads. There are a number of high-profile names not included on United's 25-man list, including Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro. However, both will still be eligible to play in the Champions League.

Teams are required to submit an 'A list' of players who can play in the Champions League, which is the list that has now been confirmed.

There is no requirement to include any player on the 'A list' who was born on or after 1 January 2005 and has been eligible to play for the club for two consecutive years since turning 15 (or three years including a loan spell). Any player who falls into this category is added to a 'B list', and this is submitted to UEFA either on or before the day prior to a Champions League match.

The 'A list' that has been submitted to UEFA is now locked in for the league phase of the competition. However, should United reach the knockout rounds, they will have until 4 February 2027 to register a maximum of three new players.

United's 25-man Champions League squad:

Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton, Senne Lammens, Dermot Mee

Defenders: Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven

Midfielders: Carlos Baleba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Manuel Ugarte

Forwards: Amad, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee, Tynan Thompson

- Ross Jackson

BRUNO FERNANDES WINS PLAYER OF THE MATCHWEEK | PREMIER LEAGUE

 

DAVID RAYA IS THE FIFTH-FASTEST GOALKEEPER IN PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY TO REACH 50 CLEAN SHEETS

 

David Raya becomes the fifth-fastest goalkeeper in Premier League 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 to reach 50 clean sheets! 🧤

ENZO FERNANDEZ DEAL PROFIT EXPLAINED

 

Most people see the Enzo Fernandez record-breaking deal to Manchester City and believe Chelsea made an £18.2m profit.

The fact is, Chelsea has just made a whopping £56m accounting profit.

It’s called amortization, and here is how it works…

Chelsea signed Enzo for about £106.8m on an 8.5-year contract.

They don’t record the entire £106.8m as an expense in one year. Instead, the transfer fee is spread across the length of his contract.

£106.8m ÷ 8.5 years = approximately £12.6m per year.

After roughly 3 years, Chelsea has recognised about £37.7m of the transfer fee as an expense.

That leaves Enzo with an approximate £69.1m book value on Chelsea’s books.

Now, Chelsea sells him to Manchester City for £125m:

£125m − £69.1m = approximately £55.9m.

So, Chelsea has made roughly £56m in accounting profit on the sale. Based on the original amortisation schedule.

- Kriz Cfc

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MANCHESTER UNITED 5-2 IPSWICH | BRUNO HAT-TRICK | POST-MATCH ANALYSIS

 

MANCHESTER UNITED BATTLE FOR A WIN | PREMIER LEAGUE

 

MANCHESTER UNITED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES

 

BRUNO FERNANDES CLAIMS PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR PRIZE AS MAN CITY FORWARD BUNNY SHAW WINS WOMEN'S AWARD

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been named the 2025-26 PFA Players' Player of the Year after breaking the Premier League assists record. Meanwhile, Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw secured the women's prize for the second time, and Nico O'Reilly won the Young Player award on a memorable night that celebrated the outstanding performers of the season.

Record-breaking season for Fernandes

Fernandes was crowned the men's PFA Players' Player of the Year following an incredible individual campaign for Manchester United, as reported by Sky Sports.

He broke the all-time record for Premier League assists, setting up 21 goals to surpass Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. He also scored nine times to help Manchester United secure a third-place finish and earn a return to the Champions League under manager Michael Carrick.

Consequently, Fernandes is the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious trophy since Wayne Rooney in the 2009-10 season, adding this prize to the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award he won in May.

Getty Images Entertainment 

Pride in peer recognition

Reacting to the achievement, Fernandes expressed his delight at being recognised by his fellow professionals across the division. Fernandes said: "It is obviously a very proud moment. They are the ones you go on the pitch against and it's probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment."

In the women's game, Shaw scooped the PFA Women's Player of the Year award for the second time, claiming the trophy after scoring 21 goals to win a third straight Golden Boot and her first Women's Super League title with Manchester City.

Youth stars and merit awards

O'Reilly was named the Men's PFA Young Player of the Year after an outstanding campaign that saw him help England win World Cup bronze. O'Reilly said: "I had a great season. I'm very proud of the season I had. I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country. I'm over the moon how it turned out."

Meanwhile, Arsenal prospect Olivia Smith picked up the women's PFA Young Player of the Year title for the second consecutive campaign. Elsewhere, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney received the PFA merit awards for their outstanding lifetime contributions to football.

AFP

What comes next for the winners?

Manchester United have a busy schedule ahead as Fernandes prepares to lead his team in their highly anticipated Champions League return. Manchester City and Shaw will focus on defending their Women's Super League crown when the new season kicks off.

- Moataz Elgammal

MANCHESTER UNITED COMPLETE CARLOS BALEBA SIGNING

Baleba becomes the third Premier League player to bolster the Red Devils’ midfield, signing a five-year-deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth up to £70million.

After securing a Champions League return with last season’s third-place finish, there has been a focus on bolstering Michael Carrick’s midfield heading into the new Premier League campaign.

United saw influential Casemiro depart and Manuel Ugarte sustain a serious knee injury during a summer in which Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.

Baleba becomes the third Premier League player to bolster the Red Devils’ midfield, signing a five-year-deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months after agreeing a £65m deal plus £5m in add-ons and a sell-on with Brighton.

“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour,” the Cameroon international said.

“I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick. His experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level.

“The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together.” 

United made a move to bring in Baleba last summer but cooled their pursuit when Brighton made it abundantly clear he was not leaving.

The 22-year-old was not at his best last season but that did not put off the Old Trafford outfit, with the club stepping up their interest a week ago.

United director of football Jason Wilcox said: “Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.

“We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League.

“Carlos’ determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions.” 

Brighton sporting director Mike Cave said: “Carlos has made a significant contribution during his time with us and we’ve seen him develop both as a player and person here.

“This is a move that Carlos was keen to make and we respect that he wants to take this opportunity at this stage of his career.” 

Baleba’s arrival has been welcomed positively by many connected to United, including the club’s all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney.

“I really like him (Baleba), I think he’s a really good signing,” the former England captain told the ‘Stick to United with Wayne Rooney’ podcast on Disney+.

“We need another midfield player with a bit of physicality and I know he’s not six-foot-four or whatever.

“But he covers the ground really well, he’s aggressive, he takes the ball, and is what we need. He’s a very good player who will improve the team massively.

“It will be interesting with Tielemans, Santos and (Kobbie) Mainoo but this is what it should be. Competition for places. If you don’t play well, you don’t play.”

MANCHESTER UNITED FAN, STEVE, ON HARRY MAGUIRE 🤔

 

HULL CITY 2-0 MANCHESTER UNITED | POST-MATCH ANALYSIS

 

HULL CITY STUN MANCHESTER UNITED WITH TWO EARLY GOALS IN EXTRAORDINARY START TO THEIR PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON

Hull City got their Premier League season off to a dream start against Manchester United. Photo: Stan Sport.

Hull City are enjoying a dream start to their Premier League return, scoring twice in the first half to stun Manchester United at the MKM Stadium.

Not much was expected of The Tigers, who named Australian recruit Lucas Herrington on the bench, with many expecting them to be a relegation candidate having secured a shock promotion from the Championship via the play-offs.

Instead, they flew out of the gates against United, who they have never beaten in the Premier League before.

Semi Ajayi puts Hull City ahead against Manchester United and the stadium goes CRAZY 

Incredible scenes inside the MKM Stadium for the Tigers.

↳ Premier League. Every Match. Live & Exclusive with 4K on Stan Sport. Stream now.#StanSportAU #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/wHV7EfLOG1

— Stan Sport Football (@StanSportFC) August 22,

In the 17th minute, Hull hit the front as centre-back Semi Ajayi popped up with a rare goal, slamming home from close range after a well-worked corner routine saw Oli McBurnie force a strong save from Senne Lammens, before the rebound was bundled in.

If that wasn’t bad enough for Michael Carrick’s men, United would go further behind before the break when another defender popped up in final third.

This time it was Nobel Mendy, the 23-year-old Senegalese international signed from Rayo Vallecano in this transfer window, who headed home to send the home crowd into raptures.

HULL CITY SCORE AGAIN 

Nobel Mendy scores on his debut and the Tigers are TWO to the good against Manchester United in their first Premier League game in nine years.

↳ Premier League. Every Match. Live & Exclusive with 4K on Stan Sport.#StanSportAU #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/ynG4de44tu

— Stan Sport Football (@StanSportFC) August 22, 2026

 United dominated possession in the first half, but find themselves two down and needing to pull off a huge comeback in the second half to avoid a shocking start to a season where they were expected to get back to challenging for the title.

“Hull coming back into the Premier League, playing at home, great enthusiasm, they’ve done really well and made it difficult for Manchester United,” United legend Peter Schmeichel said on Stan Sport’s coverage.

“When they’ve not been in possession they’ve played five at the back… it has been difficult for Man United to break it down.

“Then when they’ve had the ball, they’ve been absolutely fantastic, especially the way they play the wing-backs. Man United has not been able to deal with that.”

Socceroos defender Herrington is waiting in the wings for his Premier League debut and would become the 58th Aussie to feature in the competition and the third-youngest should he see the field.

- JAKE ROSENGARTEN