Saturday, February 28

Is Cost-Driven Profitability Amid Weaker Revenues Altering The Investment Case For Manchester United (MANU)?


  • Manchester United plc reported past fiscal second-quarter 2026 results to 31 December 2025, with sales of £190.31 million and net income of £4.18 million, alongside reaffirmed full-year 2026 revenue guidance of £640 million to £660 million.

  • The earnings improvement was driven largely by cost-cutting and off-pitch transformation, offsetting weaker broadcasting and matchday revenue from missing UEFA competition.

  • We’ll now examine how this profitability turnaround, underpinned by cost discipline despite softer revenues, shapes Manchester United’s investment narrative.

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To own Manchester United today, you have to believe the club can convert its global brand into steadier profits while managing on-pitch volatility and a relatively tight balance sheet. The latest quarter, with revenue dipping but swinging to a £4.18 million profit and full-year guidance reaffirmed at £640 million to £660 million, reinforces that the near-term story is about execution on cost control rather than top-line momentum. That profitability beat may ease some worries around cash burn and short-term liquidity, but it does not fully resolve concerns about limited cash runway, elevated debt and a still-new management team finding its footing. Sporting performance and European qualification remain key swing factors for future media and matchday income, so the Carrick-led uplift is encouraging but not yet thesis-changing.

However, investors should be aware of how the short cash runway could constrain future decisions. Manchester United’s shares have been on the rise but are still potentially undervalued by 28%. Find out what it’s worth.

MANU 1-Year Stock Price Chart
MANU 1-Year Stock Price Chart

Three Simply Wall St Community fair value estimates span roughly US$15.77 to US$25.11 per share, underscoring how far apart private investors can be. Set this against the recent profit swing driven by cost cuts and ask what happens if sporting results or cash constraints start to bite again.

Explore 3 other fair value estimates on Manchester United – why the stock might be worth 12% less than the current price!

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include MANU.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com



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