Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United set a new annual revenue record of £666.5m, as revealed in their fourth-quarter financial results
- These strong figures confirm United’s compliance with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules, strengthening their transfer ambitions
- The club may reignite their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and have also been linked with Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace
Financial Results Signal Increased Transfer Power
Manchester United have significantly improved their prospects of acquiring Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba following an impressive set of financial results for the fourth quarter, concluding on 30 June 2025. The club achieved quarterly revenues of £164million, helping them reach an unprecedented annual income of £666.5m.
This robust financial position ensures their status within the limits set by the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), enhancing their capacity to mount another approach for Baleba. The midfield has been an area of concern, and bolstering it remains a priority for the club’s hierarchy.
🚨 JUST IN!
Manchester United lead all clubs in revenue (excluding transfers out), giving them the strongest reinvestment capacity.
If they secure European football, they could again spend around £275M on “intangible assets” like transfers.
[@KieranMaguire] pic.twitter.com/TZtbSncSQK
— SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) September 17, 2025
Transfer Strategy and Midfield Options
Initially, United considered bringing in Baleba shortly after adding Benjamin Sesko to their attacking options, alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. However, their interest cooled in the face of Brighton’s reported £100m valuation. The club could revisit negotiations for the 21-year-old midfielder in 2026, while also monitoring Adam Wharton as an alternative solution.
Manchester United’s financial growth now affords them the flexibility to pursue such major signings, addressing lingering issues in central midfield and strengthening their overall squad depth.
Omar Berrada on Financial Performance and Club Development
Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada addressed the club’s financial progress, stating: “As we settle into the 2025/26 season, we are working hard to improve the club in all areas.
“On the field, we are pleased with the additions we have made to our men’s and women’s first team squads over the summer, as we build for the long-term. Off the field, we are emerging from a period of structural and leadership change with a refreshed, streamlined organisation equipped to deliver on our sporting and commercial objectives.
“We are also investing to upgrade our infrastructure, including completion of the £50m redevelopment of our men’s first team building at Carrington, on time and on budget, following prior investment in our women’s team facilities, to create a world-class environment for our players and staff.
“Meanwhile, planning continues to meet our ambition of developing a new stadium at Old Trafford as part of a transformational regeneration of the surrounding community. To have generated record revenues during such a challenging year for the club demonstrates the resilience which is a hallmark of Manchester United.
“Our commercial business remains strong as we continue to deliver appealing products and experiences for our fans, and best-in-class value to our partners. As we start to feel the benefits of our cost-reduction programme, there is significant potential for improved financial performance, which will, in turn, support our overriding priority: success on the pitch.”
Midfield Situation and Upcoming Fixtures
Throughout Ruben Amorim’s tenure, United have frequently shuffled their central midfield, regularly fielding Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte as primary options. Promising talent Kobbie Mainoo, from United’s academy, continues to vie for a starting position alongside the club captain.
| Player | Club | Potential Transfer Status | Reported Valuation | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Baleba | Brighton | Target | £100m | 21 |
| Adam Wharton | Crystal Palace | Alternative Target | N/A | 21 |
Manchester United are set to play host to Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. This fixture will be followed by an away trip to Brentford for their next Premier League encounter.
