Man Utd announced their financial results for the second quarter on Wednesday afternoon – and something big is at stake.
06:00, 26 Feb 2026
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting was radical at Manchester United after his acquisition of a minority stake, but club chiefs believe the latest financial numbers vindicate the wide-ranging decisions.
On Wednesday, United announced their second quarter financial results, revealing an operating profit of £32.6million in the first six months of fiscal 2026, compared to £3.9m operating loss in the same period in 2025.
United believe they have effectively managed their structural cost base to increase profitability, along with putting the club in a strong position should they qualify for the Champions League.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Omar Berrada said: “We are now seeing the positive financial impact of our off-pitch transformation materialise both in our costs and profitability. We continue to take a football first approach and invest in both our men’s and women’s first teams.
“On the pitch, our men’s team sits fourth in the Premier League and our women’s team are second in the Women’s Super League, as well as reaching the League Cup final and the quarter-final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
“Today’s results demonstrate the underlying strength of our business as we continue to push for the best football results possible for our men’s and women’s teams.”
United are still burdened with more than £1bn worth of debt. Wednesday’s numbers also confirmed that commercial and matchday revenue are both down on the same period last year, but the Ineos hierarchy feel their decisions have put the club on a firm financial footing.
The Reds must return to the Champions League, though. The press release for the second quarter financial numbers highlighted United’s position in the table, and sources privately mentioned the competition.
It looks like fifth place in the Premier League will be enough to secure Champions League qualification this season, and United’s win against Everton meant they are three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool.
Before United’s visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Carrick discussed the prospect of guiding the club back into Europe’s competition, saying: “It‘s good that everyone’s asking that question. It shows that we’ve put ourselves in a good position to start with.
“I think going back to what I’ve just said before really, we’re not getting too carried away now all of a sudden after a few weeks. We know where we’re at, we’re in a good position.
“I’d still like to be in a better position, mind you, but we’re in a good position. We’re positive, I think we should be. I think there’s a lot of good things to take and look forward to. But then again, it’s up to us and putting it into play really. It’s possible, it’s up to us to take the opportunity.”
When it was put to Carrick that a two-year absence from the Champions League was too long for a club of United’s size, Carrick said: “Yeah, of course, it’s where we want to be. It’s where we want to be. We’ve had success in this competition before, and some great experiences in this competition. For all sorts of different reasons, it’s where we want to be. So it’s definitely what we’re pushing for.”
United need to qualify for the Champions League for commercial and footballing reasons. The best players want to play in the competition, and securing Champions League football will help in the transfer market.
The competition would also provide United with close to £100m from prize money and broadcast revenue. That hefty sum would certainly help to balance the books more kindly.
In the summer, club sources explained a return to Europe was the target for this season. Ruben Amorim refused to outright say Champions League was the target, but Darren Fletcher broke ranks during his stint as caretaker and said United needed to return to Europe’s most lucrative competition.
Carrick has made a remarkable impact, meaning United are now well-placed to return to the Champions League. Ineos have steadily improved the club’s financial position, but their work would be undermined if United fail to qualify for the Champions League again this season.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page