Amid recent on-pitch struggles, Manchester United have been named the world’s second most valuable football club, according to Forbes, trailing only Real Madrid.
In its annual list of the world’s most valuable football teams, Forbes values Manchester United at $6.6 billion, with a reported revenue of $834 million for the 2023/24 season.
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Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League and missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification that season, the club’s value still rose by 1%.
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United’s 2023/24 campaign was salvaged somewhat by FA Cup glory, but things deteriorated further in 2024/25, where they finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the UEFA Europa League final. That poor finish means Ruben Amorim’s side will miss out on European football next season.
Despite these setbacks, the club remains one of the most iconic brands in global sport, benefiting from a massive international fanbase built during their dominance in the 1990s and 2000s.
However, United also face serious financial issues, including debts of £1 billion and losses of £113.2 million in 2023/24.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired a minority stake in the club last year, has implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures, including 250 staff redundancies last summer, saving an estimated £8m–£10m.
Reports suggest a further 200 staff could face layoffs this summer.
In March, United unveiled ambitious plans for a £2 billion stadium to be built on the current Old Trafford site as part of efforts to modernise the club’s infrastructure and match its off-pitch valuation.
According to Forbes, Real Madrid top the 2024 list with a value of $6.75 billion and revenue of $1.129 billion, while Barcelona come in third.
