Manchester United plc 6-K, filed Feb 20, 2025
Manchester United plc (MANU)
About this 6-K
Manchester United plc filed this 6-K on February 20, 2025.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of February, 2025
Commission File Number: 001-35627
MANCHESTER UNITED PLC
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
Old Trafford
Manchester M16 0RA
United Kingdom
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1). ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7). ☐
THIS REPORT ON FORM 6-K IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THE FOLLOWING REGISTRATION STATEMENTS OF THE REGISTRANT:
THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM F-3 (NO. 333-282120) ORIGINALLY FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (“SEC”) ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2024, AS AMENDED, AND THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8 (NO. 333- 183277) ORIGINALLY FILED WITH THE SEC ON AUGUST 13, 2012, AS AMENDED.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 20, 2025
| MANCHESTER UNITED PLC | |
| | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Roger Bell |
| Name: | Roger Bell |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit |
| Description |
99.1 | | Manchester United plc Interim report (unaudited) for the three and six months ended 31 December 2024 |
1
Manchester United plc
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
GENERAL INFORMATION AND FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The following Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included as part of this report. This report contains forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on such statements because they are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties relating to Manchester United plc’s (“the Company”) operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many are beyond the Company’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning the Company’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements often include words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible” or similar expressions. The forward-looking statements contained in this interim report are based on our current expectations and estimates of future events and trends, which affect or may affect our businesses and operations. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect its actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in these forward-looking statements. These factors are more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 30 June 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 13 September 2024 (File No. 001-35627).
GENERAL
Manchester United is one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, playing one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth. Through our 147-year heritage we have won 69 trophies, including a record 20 English league titles, enabling us to develop what we believe is one of the world’s leading sports brands and a global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers. Our large, passionate community provides Manchester United with a worldwide platform to generate significant revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, broadcasting and Matchday. We attract leading global companies such as adidas, Snapdragon and Tezos that want access and exposure to our community of followers and association with our brand.
2
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended 31 December 2024 as compared to the three months ended 31 December 2023
|
| Three months ended |
| |
| ||
| | 31 December | | |
| ||
| | (in £ millions) | | % Change |
| ||
|
| |
| |
| 2024 over |
|
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2023 |
|
Revenue |
| 198.7 |
| 225.8 |
| (12.0) | % |
Commercial revenue |
| 85.1 |
| 71.8 |
| 18.5 | % |
Broadcasting revenue |
| 61.6 |
| 106.4 |
| (42.1) | % |
Matchday revenue |
| 52.0 |
| 47.6 |
| 9.2 | % |
Total operating expenses |
| (196.4) |
| (198.7) |
| 1.2 | % |
Employee benefit expenses |
| (82.5) |
| (95.1) |
| 13.2 | % |
Other operating expenses |
| (45.7) |
| (39.3) |
| (16.3) | % |
Depreciation |
| (4.3) |
| (4.2) |
| (2.4) | % |
Amortization |
| (49.4) |
| (50.5) |
| 2.2 | % |
Exceptional items |
| (14.5) |
| (9.6) |
| (51.0) | % |
Profit on disposal of intangible assets |
| 0.8 |
| 0.4 |
| 100.0 | % |
Net finance costs |
| (37.6) |
| (0.3) |
| (12,433.3) | % |
Income tax credit/(expense) |
| 6.8 |
| (6.8) |
| 200.0 | % |
(Loss)/profit after tax | | (27.7) | | 20.4 | | (235.8) | % |
Revenue
Total revenue for the three months ended 31 December 2024 was £198.7 million, a decrease of £27.1 million, or 12.0%, over the three months ended 31 December 2023, as a result of a decrease in revenue in our Broadcasting sector, partially offset by an increase in revenue in our Commercial and Matchday sectors, as described below.
Commercial revenue
Commercial revenue for the three months ended 31 December 2024 was £85.1 million, an increase of £13.3 million, or 18.5%, over the three months ended 31 December 2023.
| ● | Sponsorship revenue for the three months ended 31 December 2024 was £43.0 million, an increase of £3.8 million, or 9.7%, over the three months ended 31 December 2023, primarily due to the new Qualcomm front of shirt sponsorship agreement, partially offset by other changes in our commercial agreements. |
| ● | Retail, Merchandising, Apparel & Product Licensing revenue for the three months ended 31 December 2024 was £42.1 million, an increase of £9.5 million, or 29.1%, over the three months ended 31 December 2023, due to the launch of our new e-commerce model in partnership with SCAYLE. |
Broadcasting revenue
Broadcasting revenue for the three months ended 31 December 2024 was £61.6 million, a decrease of £44.8 million, or 42.1%, over the three months ended 31 December 2023, primarily due to the men’s first team participating in the UEFA Europa League compared to the UEFA Champions League in the prior year quarter.
Matchday revenue
Matchday revenue for the three months ended 31 December 2024 was £52.0 million, an increase of £4.4 million, or 9.2%, over the three months ended 31 December 2023, primarily due to strong demand for matchday hospitality packages. The three months ended 31 December 2024 saw the same number of home matches played as the three months ended 31 December 2023.
3
Total operating expenses
Total operating expenses (defined as employee benefit expenses, other operating expenses, depreciation, amortization and exceptional items) for the three months ended 31 December 2024 were £196.4 million, a decrease of £2.3 million, or 1.2%, over the three months ended 31 December 2023.
Employee benefit expenses
Employee benefit expenses for the three months ended 31 December 2024 were £82.5 million, a decrease of £12.6 million, or 13.2%, over the three months ended 31 December 2023 as a result of the men’s first team participating in the UEFA Europa League in the current year, compared to the UEFA Champions League in the prior year, resulting in a reduction in salaries.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses for the three months ended 31 December 2024 were £45.7 million, an increase of £6.4 million, or 16.3%, over the three months ended 31 December 2023. This is primarily due to increased costs associated with our new e-commerce model, partially offset by a reduction in fixed costs as a result of the Company’s focus on improving operating efficiency.
Depreciation
Depreciation for the three months ended 31 December 2024 was £4.3 million, compared to £4.2 million for the three months ended 31 December 2023.
Amortization
Amortization, primarily of players’ registrations, for the three months ended 31 December 2024 was £49.4 million, a decrease of £1.1 million, or 2.2%, over the three months ended 31 December 2023. The unamortized balance of registrations as of 31 December 2024 was £517.6 million.
Exceptional items
Exceptional items for the three months ended 31 December 2024 were a cost of £14.5 million. This relates to costs associated with the departure of former men’s first team manager Erik ten Hag and various members of football staff. Exceptional items for the three months ended 31 December 2023 were £9.6 million. This comprised costs incurred in relation to the Group’s strategic review and agreed sale of 25% of Class B shares and up to 25% of Class A shares to Trawlers Limited, a company wholly owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Profit on disposal of intangible assets
Profit on disposal of intangible assets for the three months ended 31 December 2024 was £0.8 million, compared to a profit of £0.4 million for the three months ended 31 December 2023.
Net finance costs
Net finance costs for the three months ended 31 December 2024 were £37.6 million, compared to net finance costs of £0.3 million for the three months ended 31 December 2023, primarily due to an unfavorable swing in foreign exchange rates resulting in unrealized foreign exchange losses on unhedged USD borrowings in the current year quarter, compared to a favorable swing in the prior year quarter.
Income tax
The income tax credit for the three months ended 31 December 2024 was £6.8 million, compared to an income tax expense of £6.8 million for the three months ended 31 December 2023, due to the company making a loss before tax in the current year quarter compared to a profit before tax in the prior year quarter.
4
Six months ended 31 December 2024 as compared to the six months ended 31 December 2023
|
| Six months ended |
| |
| ||
| | 31 December | | |
| ||
| | (in £ millions) | | % Change |
| ||
|
| |
| |
| 2024 over |
|
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2023 |
|
Revenue |
| 341.8 |
| 382.9 |
| (10.7) | % |
Commercial revenue |
| 170.4 |
| 162.2 |
| 5.1 | % |
Broadcasting revenue |
| 92.9 |
| 145.7 |
| (36.2) | % |
Matchday revenue |
| 78.5 |
| 75.0 |
| 4.7 | % |
Total operating expenses |
| (382.0) |
| (383.4) |
| 0.4 | % |
Employee benefit expenses |
| (162.7) |
| (185.4) |
| 12.2 | % |
Other operating expenses |
| (84.9) |
| (82.8) |
| (2.5) | % |
Depreciation |
| (8.6) |
| (8.3) |
| (3.6) | % |
Amortization |
| (102.7) |
| (97.3) |
| (5.5) | % |
Exceptional items |
| (23.1) |
| (9.6) |
| (140.6) | % |
Profit on disposal of intangible assets |
| 36.4 |
| 29.9 |
| 21.7 | % |
Net finance costs |
| (29.0) |
| (34.9) |
| 16.9 | % |
Income tax credit |
| 6.5 |
| 0.2 |
| 3,150.0 | % |
Loss after tax | | (26.3) | | (5.3) | | (396.2) | % |
Revenue
Total revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £341.8 million, a decrease of £41.1 million, or 10.7%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023, as a result of a decrease in revenue in our Broadcasting sector, partially offset by an increase in revenue in our Commercial and Matchday sectors, as described below.
Commercial revenue
Commercial revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £170.4 million, an increase of £8.2 million, or 5.1%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023.
| ● | Sponsorship revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £94.8 million, a decrease of £0.6 million, or 0.6%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023. |
| ● | Retail, Merchandising, Apparel & Product Licensing revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £75.6 million, an increase of £8.8 million, or 13.2%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023, due to the launch of our new e-commerce model in partnership with SCAYLE. |
Broadcasting revenue
Broadcasting revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £92.9 million, a decrease of £52.8 million, or 36.2%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023, primarily due to the men’s first team participating in the UEFA Europa League in current year compared to the UEFA Champions League in the prior year.
Matchday revenue
Matchday revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £78.5 million, an increase of £3.5 million, or 4.7%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023, primarily due to strong demand for matchday hospitality packages. The six months ended 31 December 2024 saw the same number of home matches played as the six months ended 31 December 2023.
Total operating expenses
Total operating expenses (defined as employee benefit expenses, other operating expenses, depreciation, amortization and exceptional items) for the six months ended 31 December 2024 were £382.0 million, a decrease of £1.4 million, or 0.4%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023.
5
Employee benefit expenses
Employee benefit expenses for the six months ended 31 December 2024 were £162.7 million, a decrease of £22.7 million, or 12.2%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023, as a result of the men’s first team participating in the UEFA Europa League, compared to the UEFA Champions League in the prior year, resulting in a reduction in salaries.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses for the six months ended 31 December 2024 were £84.9 million, an increase of £2.1 million, or 2.5%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023.
Depreciation
Depreciation for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £8.6 million, an increase of £0.3 million, or 3.6%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023.
Amortization
Amortization, primarily of players’ registrations, for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £102.7 million, an increase of £5.4 million, or 5.5%, over the six months ended 31 December 2023, due to investment in the first team playing squad. The unamortized balance of registrations as of 31 December 2024 was £517.6 million.
Exceptional items
Exceptional items for the six months ended 31 December 2024 were a cost of £23.1 million. This comprises costs incurred in relation to the restructuring of the Group’s operations and the exit of former members of football staff, including former men’s first team manager, Erik ten Hag. Exceptional items for the six months ended 31 December 2023 were £9.6 million. This comprised costs incurred in relation to the Group’s strategic review and agreed sale of 25% of Class B shares and up to 25% of Class A shares to Trawlers Limited, a company wholly owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Profit on disposal of intangible assets
Profit on disposal of intangible assets for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £36.4 million, compared to a profit of £29.9 million for the six months ended 31 December 2023.
Net finance costs
Net finance costs for the six months ended 31 December 2024 were £29.0 million, compared to £34.9 million for the six months ended 31 December 2023, primarily due changes in the valuations of closing derivative financial instruments.
Income tax
The income tax credit for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £6.5 million, compared to £0.2 million for the six months ended 31 December 2023.
6
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary cash requirements stem from the payment of transfer fees for the acquisition of players’ registrations, capital expenditures for the improvement of facilities at Old Trafford and the Carrington training ground (“Carrington”), payment of interest on our borrowings, employee benefit expenses, other operating expenses and dividends on our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Historically, we have met these cash requirements through a combination of operating cash flow and proceeds from the transfer fees from the sale of players’ registrations. Our existing borrowings primarily consist of our secured term loan facility, our senior secured notes and outstanding drawdowns under our revolving facilities. We have US dollar borrowings that we use to hedge our US dollar commercial revenue exposure. We continue to evaluate our financing options and may, from time to time, take advantage of opportunities to repurchase or refinance all or a portion of our existing indebtedness to the extent such opportunities arise. As of 31 December 2024, we had cash resources of £95.5 million and all funds are held as cash and cash equivalents and therefore available on demand. As of 31 December 2024, we also had access to an undrawn revolving facility of £90.0 million. However, we cannot assure you that our cash generated from operations, cash and cash equivalents or cash available under our revolving facilities will be sufficient to meet our long-term future needs. We cannot assure you that we could obtain additional financing on favorable terms or at all, including as a result of changes or volatility in the credit or capital markets, which affect our ability to borrow money or raise capital.
Our business ordinarily generates a significant amount of cash from our Matchday revenues and commercial contractual arrangements at or near the beginning of our fiscal year, with a steady flow of other cash received throughout the fiscal year. In addition, we ordinarily generate a significant amount of our cash through advance receipts, including season tickets (which include general admission season tickets and seasonal hospitality tickets), most of which are received prior to the end of June for the following season. Our Broadcasting revenue from the Premier League and UEFA are paid periodically throughout the season, with primary payments made in late summer, December, January and the end of the football season. Our sponsorship and other commercial revenue tends to be paid either quarterly or annually in advance. However, while we typically have a high cash balance at the beginning of each fiscal year, this is largely attributable to deferred revenue, the majority of which falls under current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, and this deferred revenue is unwound through the statement of profit or loss over the course of the fiscal year. Over the course of a year, we use our cash on hand to pay employee benefit expenses, other operating expenses, interest payments and other liabilities as they become due. This typically results in negative working capital movement at certain times during the year. In the event it ever became necessary to access additional operating cash, we also have access to cash through our revolving facilities. As of 31 December 2024, we had £210 million of outstanding loans under our revolving facilities and access to undrawn revolving facilities of £90 million.
We also maintain a mixture of long-term debt and capacity under our revolving facilities in order to ensure that we have sufficient funds available for short-term working capital requirements and for investment in the playing squad and other capital projects.
Our cost base is more evenly spread throughout the fiscal year than our cash inflows. Employee benefit expenses and fixed costs constitute the majority of our cash outflows and are generally paid throughout the 12 months of the fiscal year.
In addition, transfer windows for acquiring and disposing of registrations occur in January and the summer. During these periods, we may require additional cash to meet our acquisition needs for new players and we may generate additional cash through the sale of existing registrations. Depending on the terms of the agreement, transfer fees may be paid or received by us in multiple installments, resulting in deferred cash paid or received. Although we have not historically drawn on our revolving facilities during the summer transfer window, if we seek to acquire players with values substantially in excess of the values of players we seek to sell, we may be required to utilize cash available from our revolving facilities to meet our cash needs.
Acquisition and disposal of registrations also affects our trade receivables and payables, which affects our overall working capital. Our trade receivables include transfer fees receivable from other football clubs, whereas our trade payables include transfer fees and other associated costs payable to other football clubs in relation to the acquisition of registrations.
7
Cash Flow
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the six months ended 31 December 2024 and 2023:
|
| Six months ended | ||
| | 31 December | ||
| | (in £ millions) | ||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
Cash flow from operating activities |
| | |
|
Cash used in operations |
| (32.6) | | (12.1) |
Net interest paid |
| (17.0) | | (18.2) |
Tax (paid)/refunded |
| (0.3) | | 5.2 |
Net cash outflow from operating activities |
| (49.9) | | (25.1) |
Cash flow from investing activities |
| | | |
Payments for property, plant and equipment |
| (17.2) | | (11.9) |
Payments for intangible assets |
| (203.7) | | (167.9) |
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets |
| 39.4 | | 33.6 |
Net cash outflow from investing activities |
| (181.5) | | (146.2) |
Cash flow from financing activities |
| | | |
Proceeds from borrowings |
| 200.0 | | 160.0 |
Repayment of borrowings | | (20.0) | | — |
Proceeds from issue of shares | | 80.0 | | — |
Principal elements of lease payments |
| (0.2) | | (0.5) |
Net cash inflow from financing activities |
| 259.8 | | 159.5 |
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(1) |
| 28.4 | | (11.8) |
(1) | Excludes the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents. |
Net cash outflow from operating activities
Cash(used in)/generated from operations represents our operating results and net movements in our working capital. Our working capital is generally impacted by the timing of cash received from the sale of tickets and hospitality and other Matchday revenues, broadcasting revenues from the Premier League and UEFA and sponsorship and other commercial revenues. Cash used in operations for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £32.6 million compared to cash used in operations of £12.1 million for the six months ended 31 December 2023.
Additional changes in net cash inflow from operating activities generally reflect our finance costs. We currently pay fixed rates of interest on our senior secured notes and variable rates of interest on our secured term loan facility. Drawdowns from our revolving facilities are also subject to variable rates of interest. Net cash outflow from operating activities for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £49.9 million compared to net cash outflow of £25.1 million for the six months ended 31 December 2023.
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Capital expenditure for the acquisition of intangible assets as well as for improvements to property, principally at Old Trafford and Carrington, are funded through cash flow generated from operations, proceeds from the sale of intangible assets and, if necessary, from our revolving facilities. Capital expenditure on the acquisition, disposal and trading of intangible assets tends to vary significantly from year to year depending on the requirements of our men’s first team, overall availability of players, our assessment of their relative value and competitive demand for players from other clubs. By contrast, capital expenditure on the purchase of property, plant and equipment tends to remain relatively stable as we continue to make improvements at Old Trafford and Carrington.
8
Net cash outflow from investing activities for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £181.5 million, an increase of £35.3 million from £146.2 million for the six months ended 31 December 2023.
For the six months ended 31 December 2024, net capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment was £17.2 million, an increase of £5.3 million from £11.9 million for the six months ended 31 December 2023.
For the six months ended 31 December 2024, net capital expenditure on intangible assets was £164.3 million, an increase of £30.0 million from £134.3 million for the six months ended 31 December 2023.
Net cash inflow from financing activities
Net cash inflow from financing activities for the six months ended 31 December 2024 was £259.8 million, compared to net cash inflow of £159.5 million for the six months ended 31 December 2023. This is due to a net drawdown of £180.0 million on the revolving facilities and £80.0 million of proceeds from the issue of shares to INEOS Limited, compared to a £160.0 million drawdown on the revolving facilities in the prior year.
Indebtedness
Our primary sources of indebtedness consist of our senior secured notes, our secured term loan facility and our revolving facilities. As part of the security for our senior secured notes, our secured term loan facility and our revolving facilities, substantially all of our assets are subject to liens and mortgages.
Description of principal indebtedness
Senior secured notes
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Manchester United Football Club Limited, issued $425 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.79% senior secured notes. As of 31 December 2024 the sterling equivalent of £337.6 million (net of unamortized issue costs of £1.4 million) was outstanding. The outstanding principal amount was $425.0 million. The senior secured notes mature on 25 June 2027.
The senior secured notes are guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited. MU RAML Limited and MU Finance Limited and secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities and Manchester United Football Club Limited. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
The note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes contains a financial maintenance covenant requiring us to maintain consolidated profit for the period before depreciation, amortization of, and profit/(loss) on disposal of, intangible assets, exceptional items, net finance costs, and tax (“EBITDA”) of not less than £65 million for each 12 month testing period. We are able to claim certain dispensations from complying with the consolidated EBITDA floor up to twice (in non-consecutive financial years) during the life of the senior secured notes if we fail to qualify for the first round group stages (or its equivalent from time to time) of the UEFA Champions League. The impact of IFRS 16 is excluded for the purpose of covenant compliance testing. The covenant is tested on a quarterly basis and we were in compliance as of 31 December 2024.
The note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes contains events of default typical for securities of this type, as well as customary covenants and restrictions on the activities of Red Football Limited and each of Red Football Limited’s subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, the incurrence of additional indebtedness; dividends or distributions in respect of capital stock or certain other restricted payments or investments; entering into agreements that restrict distributions from restricted subsidiaries; the sale or disposal of assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries; transactions with affiliates; the incurrence of liens; and mergers, consolidations or the sale of substantially all of Red Football Limited’s assets. The covenants in the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes are subject to certain thresholds and exceptions described in the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes.
The senior secured notes may be redeemed in part, in an amount not less than 5% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior secured notes then outstanding, or in full, at any time at 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium of an amount equal to the discounted value (based on the US Treasury rate) of the remaining interest payments due on the senior secured notes up to 25 June 2027.
9
Secured term loan facility
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Manchester United Football Club Limited, has a secured term loan facility with Bank of America Merrill Lynch International Designated Activity Company as lender. As of 31 December 2024, the sterling equivalent of £178.1 million (net of unamortized issue costs of £1.3 million) was outstanding. The outstanding principal amount was $225.0 million. The remaining balance of the secured term loan facility is repayable on 6 August 2029, although the Group has the option to repay the secured term loan facility at any time before then.
Loans under the secured term loan facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin, if no event of default has occurred and is continuing, means the following:
|
| Margin % |
Total net leverage ratio (as defined in the secured term loan facility agreement) | | (per annum) |
Greater than 3.5 |
| 1.75 |
Greater than 2.0 but less than or equal to 3.5 |
| 1.50 |
Less than or equal to 2.0 |
| 1.25 |
While any event of default is continuing, the applicable margin shall be the highest level set forth above.
Our secured term loan facility is guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited, MU Finance Limited and Manchester United Football Club Limited and secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
The secured term loan facility contains a financial maintenance covenant requiring us to maintain consolidated profit for the period before depreciation, amortization of, and profit/(loss) on disposal of, intangible assets, exceptional items, net finance costs, and tax (“EBITDA”) of not less than £65 million for each 12 month testing period. We are able to claim certain dispensations from complying with the consolidated EBITDA floor up to twice (in non-consecutive financial years) during the life of the secured term loan facility if we fail to qualify for the first round group stages (or its equivalent from time to time) of the UEFA Champions League. The impact of IFRS 16 is excluded for the purpose of covenant compliance testing. The covenant is tested on a quarterly basis and we were in compliance as of 31 December 2024.
The secured term loan facility contains events of default typical in facilities of this type, as well as typical covenants including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, paying dividends or making other distributions or repurchasing or redeeming our stock, selling assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, entering into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, consolidating, merging, selling or otherwise disposing of all or substantially all of our assets, entering into sale and leaseback transactions, entering into transactions with our affiliates and incurring liens. Certain events of default and covenants in the secured term loan facility are subject to certain thresholds and exceptions described in the agreement governing the secured term loan facility.
Revolving facilities
Our revolving facilities agreement originally dated 22 May 2015 (as amended on 7 October 2015, amended and restated on 4 April 2019, 4 March 2021 and 10 December 2021 and amended on 4 November 2022 and 28 June 2024) (the “initial revolving facility”) allows Manchester United Football Club Limited (or any direct or indirect subsidiary of Red Football Limited that becomes a borrower thereunder) to borrow up to £150 million from a syndicate of lenders with Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company as agent and security trustee. As of 31 December 2024, we had £130 million in outstanding loans and £20 million in borrowing capacity under our revolving facilities agreement.
The revolving facilities agreement contains a financial maintenance covenant consistent with the note purchase agreement and secured term loan- facility. The initial revolving facility is scheduled to expire on 25 June 2027. Any amount still outstanding at that time will be due in full immediately on the applicable expiry date.
10
Our revolving facility agreement originally dated 14 October 2020 (as amended and restated on 4 March 2021, 13 December 2021 and 26 April 2022 and amended on 4 November 2022) (the “new revolving facility”) allows Manchester United Football Club Limited (or any direct or indirect subsidiary of Red Football Limited that becomes a borrower thereunder) to borrow up to £75 million from Santander UK plc as original lender and with Santander UK plc as agent and with Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company as security trustee. The general covenants under the new revolving facility are consistent with the initial revolving facility. As of 31 December 2024, we had £50 million in outstanding loans and £25 million in borrowing capacity under our revolving facility agreement. The new revolving facility has a maturity date of 25 June 2027.
On 26 April 2022 we entered into a new bilateral revolving facility agreement (the “bilateral revolving facility”) which allows Manchester United Football Club Limited (or any direct or indirect subsidiary of Red Football Limited that becomes a borrower thereunder) to borrow up to £75 million from Bank of America, N.A., London Branch as original lender and with Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company as agent and security trustee. The general covenants under the bilateral revolving facility agreement are consistent with the initial revolving facilities agreement. As of 31 December 2024, we had £30 million in outstanding loans and £45 million in borrowing capacity under our revolving facility agreement. The bilateral revolving facility has a maturity date of 25 June 2027.
Our revolving facilities are guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited, MU Finance Limited and Manchester United Football Club Limited and secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.
We do not currently have any research and development policies in place.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Transfer fees payable
Under the terms of certain contracts with other football clubs in respect of player transfers, additional amounts would be payable by us if certain specific performance conditions are met. We estimate the fair value of any contingent consideration at the date of acquisition based on the probability of conditions being met and monitor this on an ongoing basis. The maximum additional amount that could be payable as of 31 December 2024 is £136.4 million (30 June 2024: £115.6 million; 31 December 2023: £158.0 million).
Transfer fees receivable
Similarly, under the terms of contracts with other football clubs for player transfers, additional amounts would be payable to us if certain specific performance conditions are met. In accordance with the recognition criteria for contingent assets, such amounts are only disclosed by the Company when probable and recognized when virtually certain. As of 31 December 2024, we believe receipt of £nil to be probable (30 June 2024: £nil; 30 December 2023: £0.3 million).
Other commitments
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into capital commitments. These transactions are recognized in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), and are more fully disclosed therein.
As of 31 December 2024, we had not entered into any other off-balance sheet transactions.
11
Manchester United plc
Interim consolidated statement of profit or (loss) - unaudited
| | | | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | | | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
| | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
|
| Note |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
Revenue from contracts with customers | | 6 | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses |
| 7 |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Profit on disposal of intangible assets |
| 9 |
| | | |
| |
| |
Operating profit/(loss) |
| |
| | | |
| ( |
| |
Finance costs (1) |
| |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Finance income (1) |
| |
| | | |
| |
| |
Net finance costs |
| 10 |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
(Loss)/profit before income tax |
| |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
Income tax credit/(expense) |
| 11 |
| | | ( |
| |
| |
(Loss)/profit for the period |
| |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(Loss)/earnings per share during the period: |
| |
| | | |
| |
| |
Basic (loss)/earnings per share (pence) |
| 12 |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (pence) (2) |
| 12 |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.
12
Manchester United plc
Interim consolidated statement of comprehensive income/(loss) - unaudited
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
|
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
(Loss)/profit for the period | | ( | | | | ( | | ( |
Other comprehensive (loss)/income: |
| | | |
| |
| |
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss |
| | | |
| |
| |
Movement on hedges |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
Income tax credit/(expense) relating to movements on hedges |
| | | ( |
| |
| |
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period, net of income tax |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.
13
Manchester United plc
Interim consolidated balance sheet - unaudited
| | | | As of | ||||
| | | | 31 December | | 30 June | | 31 December |
| | | | 2024 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
|
| Note |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
ASSETS | | | | | |
| | |
Non-current assets |
| | | |
|
| | |
Property, plant and equipment |
| 14 | | |
| | | |
Right-of-use assets | | 15 | | | | | | |
Investment properties |
| 16 | | |
| | | |
Intangible assets |
| 17 | | |
| | | |
Deferred tax assets |
| 18 | | |
| | | — |
Trade receivables |
| 20 | | |
| | | |
Derivative financial instruments |
| 21 | | |
| | | |
|
| | | |
| | | |
Current assets |
| | | |
| | | |
Inventories |
| 19 | | |
| | | |
Prepayments | | | | | | | | |
Contract assets – accrued revenue | | 6.2 | | | | | | |
Trade receivables |
| 20 | | |
| | | |
Other receivables |
| | | |
| | | |
Derivative financial instruments | | 21 | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 22 | | |
| | | |
|
| | | |
| | | |
Total assets |
| | | |
| | | |
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.
14
Manchester United plc
Interim consolidated balance sheet - unaudited (continued)
| | | | As of | ||||
| | | | 31 December | | 30 June | | 31 December |
| | | | 2024 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
|
| Note |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |
| | | |
| | |
Equity |
|
| | |
|
| | |
Share capital | | 23 | | |
| | | |
Share premium | | | | |
| | | |
Treasury shares | | 24 | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Merger reserve | | | | |
| | | |
Hedging reserve | | | | ( |
| ( | | ( |
Retained deficit | | | | ( |
| ( | | ( |
Total equity | | | | |
| | | |
Non-current liabilities | | | | |
| | | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | 18 | | — |
| — | | |
Contract liabilities - deferred revenue | | 6.2 | | | | | | |
Trade and other payables | | 25 | | |
| | | |
Borrowings | | 26 | | |
| | | |
Lease liabilities | | 15 | | |
| | | |
Derivative financial instruments | | 21 | | |
| | | |
| | | | |
| | | |
Current liabilities | | | | |
| | | |
Contract liabilities - deferred revenue | | 6.2 | | |
| | | |
Trade and other payables | | 25 | | |
| | | |
Income tax liabilities | | | | |
| | | |
Borrowings | | 26 | | |
| | | |
Lease liabilities | | 15 | | |
| | | |
Derivative financial instruments | | 21 | | | | | | |
Provisions | | 27 | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | |
Total equity and liabilities | | | | |
| | | |
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.
15
Manchester United plc
Interim consolidated statement of changes in equity - unaudited
| | Share | | Share | | Treasury | | Merger | | Hedging | | Retained | | Total |
| | capital | | premium | | shares | | reserve | | reserve | | earnings | | equity |
|
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
Balance at 30 June 2023 |
| | | | | ( | | | | | | ( | | |
Loss for the period | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | ( | | ( |
Cash flow hedges |
| — |
| — |
| — | | — |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Tax credit relating to movement on hedges |
| — |
| — |
| — | | — |
| |
| — |
| |
Total comprehensive income for the period |
| — |
| — |
| — | | — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Equity-settled share-based payments |
| — |
| — |
| — | | — |
| — |
| |
| |
Balance at 31 December 2023 |
| |
| |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Loss for the period |
| — |
| — |
| — | | — |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
Cash flow hedges |
| — |
| — |
| — | | — |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Tax credit relating to movement on hedges |
| — |
| — |
| — | | — |
| |
| — |
| |
Total comprehensive loss for the period |
| — |
| — |
| — | | — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Proceeds from issue of shares |
| |
| |
| — | | — |
| — |
| — |
| |
Equity-settled share-based payments | | — |
| — |
| — | | — |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
Deferred tax expense relating to share-based payments | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | ( | | ( |
Balance at 30 June 2024 | | | | | | ( | | | | ( | | ( | | |
Loss for the period | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | ( | | ( |
Cash flow hedges | | — | | — | | — | | — | | ( | | — | | ( |
Tax credit relating to movement on hedges | | — | | — | | — | | — | | | | — | | |
Total comprehensive loss for the period | | — | | — | | — | | — | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Proceeds from issue of shares | | | | | | — | | — | | — | | — | | |
Equity-settled share-based payments | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | | | |
Balance at 31 December 2024 |
| |
| |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.
16
Manchester United plc
Interim consolidated statement of cash flows - unaudited
| | | | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | | | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
| | | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
|
| Note |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
Cash flow from operating activities | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash used in operations |
| 28 | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Interest paid |
|
| | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Interest received | | | | | | | | | | |
Tax (paid)/refunded |
|
| | ( | | ( | | ( | | |
Net cash outflow from operating activities |
|
| | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Cash flow from investing activities |
|
| | | | | | | | |
Payments for property, plant and equipment |
|
| | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Payments for intangible assets(1) |
|
| | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets(1) |
|
| | |
| |
| |
| |
Net cash outflow from investing activities |
|
| | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Cash flow from financing activities | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from issue of shares | | | | | | — | | | | — |
Proceeds from borrowings |
|
| | — |
| |
| |
| |
Repayment of borrowings |
|
| | ( |
| — |
| ( |
| — |
Principal elements of lease payments | | | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Net cash inflow from financing activities |
|
| | | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
|
| | | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | | ( | | ( | | | | ( |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
| 22 | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.
17
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited
1General information
Manchester United plc (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (together the “Group”) is a men’s and women’s professional football club together with related and ancillary activities. The Company incorporated under the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands. The Company’s shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MANU”.
These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (£’000) except when otherwise indicated.
These interim consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Audit Committee on 20 February 2025.
2Basis of preparation
The interim consolidated financial statements of Manchester United plc have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 “Interim Financial Reporting”. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended 30 June 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 13 September 2024, contained within the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The report of the auditors on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain an emphasis of matter paragraph. The results of operations for the interim periods should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
Going concern
The Group has cash resources as of 31 December 2024 of £
The Group’s debt facilities include the $
As a result of a detailed assessment, including prudent assumptions around the men’s first team’s performance, and with reference to the Group’s balance sheet, existing committed facilities, but also acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of the current economic outlook, Management has concluded that the Group is able to meet its obligations when they fall due for a period of at least 12 months after the date of this report. For this reason, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis for preparing the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
3Accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024, except as described below.
Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected total annual earnings.
New and amended standards and interpretations adopted by the Group
The following amendments to standards have been adopted by the Group for the first time for the year ended 30 June 2025:
| ● | Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1) |
| ● | Leases on Sale and Leaseback (Amendment to IFRS 16) |
| ● | Supplier Finance (Amendment to IAS 7 and IFRS 17) |
18
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
3Accounting policies (continued)
The adoption of this amendment has not had a material effect on the Group’s financial statements.
New and amended standards and interpretations issued but not yet adopted
The following amendments to IFRS that have been issued by the IASB will become effective in a subsequent accounting period:
| ● | Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements (IFRS 18) |
| ● | Lack of Exchangeability (Amendments to IAS 21) |
| ● | Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments (Amendment to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7) |
These changes are not expected to have a material effect on the Group’s results however the disclosure changes will impact key statements including the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as defined in IFRS 18, and the inclusion of management’s Adjusted EBITDA measure.
4Critical estimates and judgments
The preparation of interim financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the interim consolidated financial statements are considered to be:
| ● | Estimate of minimum guarantee revenue recognition – see Note 5 |
| ● | Estimate of fair value of registrations – see Note 17 |
| ● | Recognition of deferred tax assets – see Note 18 |
| ● | Recognition of tax related provisions - see Note 27 |
Management does not consider there to be any significant judgements in the preparation of the financial statements.
In preparing these interim consolidated financial statements, the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024.
5Seasonality of revenue
We experience seasonality in our revenue and cash flow, limiting the overall comparability of interim financial periods. In any given interim period, our total revenue can vary based on the number of games played in that period, which affects the amount of Matchday and Broadcasting revenue recognized. Similarly, certain of our costs are derived from hosting games at Old Trafford, and these costs will also vary based on the number of games played in the period. We historically recognize the most revenue in our second and third fiscal quarters due to the scheduling of matches. However, a strong performance by our first team in European competitions and domestic cups could result in significant additional Matchday and Broadcasting revenue, and consequently we may also recognize the most revenue in our fourth fiscal quarter in those years.
19
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
5Seasonality of revenue (continued)
i)Commercial
Commercial revenue (whether settled in cash or value in kind) comprises revenue receivable from the exploitation of the Manchester United brand through sponsorship and other commercial agreements, including minimum guaranteed revenue, revenue receivable from retailing Manchester United branded merchandise in the UK and licensing the manufacture, distribution and sale of such goods globally, and fees for the Manchester United men’s first team undertaking tours. Revenue is recognized over the term of the sponsorship agreement in line with the performance obligations included within the contract and based on the sponsorship rights enjoyed by the individual sponsor. In instances where the sponsorship rights remain the same over the duration of the contract, revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied evenly over time (i.e. on a straight-line basis). Retail revenue is recognized when control of the products has transferred, being at the point of sale to the customer. License revenue in respect of right to access licences is recognized in line with the performance obligations included within the contract, in instances where these remain the same over the duration of the contract, revenue is recognized evenly on a time elapsed (i.e. straight-line) basis. Sales-based royalty revenue is recognized only when the subsequent sale is made.
Significant estimates
A number of sponsorship contracts contain significant estimates in relation to the allocation and recognition of revenue in line with performance obligations. Minimum guaranteed revenue is recognized over the term of the sponsorship agreement in line with the performance obligations included within the contract and based on the sponsorship benefits enjoyed by the individual sponsor. In instances where the sponsorship rights remain the same over the duration of the contract, revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied evenly over time (i.e. on a straight-line basis).
On 21 July 2023, the Group signed a
ii)Broadcasting
Broadcasting revenue represents revenue receivable from all UK and overseas broadcasting contracts, including contracts negotiated centrally by the Premier League and UEFA. Distributions from the Premier League comprise a fixed element (which is recognized evenly as each performance obligation is satisfied i.e.as each Premier League match is played), facility fees for live coverage and highlights of domestic home and away matches (which are recognized when the respective performance obligation is satisfied i.e. the respective match is played), and merit awards (which, being variable consideration, are recognized when each performance obligation is satisfied i.e. as each Premier League match is played, based on management’s estimate of where the men’s first team will finish at the end of the football season i.e. the most likely outcome and to the extent that it is deemed highly probably that no revenue recognized will be reversed). Distributions from UEFA relating to participation in European competitions comprise market pool payments (which are recognized over the matches played in the competition, a portion of which reflects Manchester United’s performance relative to the other Premier League clubs in the competition), fixed amounts for participation in individual matches (which are recognized when the matches are played) and an individual club coefficient share (which is recognized over the group stage matches).
20
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
5Seasonality of revenue (continued)
iii)Matchday
Matchday revenue is recognized based on matches played throughout the year with revenue from each match (including season ticket allocated amounts) only being recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied i.e. the match has been played. Revenue from related activities such as Conference and Events or the Museum is recognized as the event or service is provided or the facility is used. Matchday revenue includes revenue receivable from all domestic and European match day activities from Manchester United games at Old Trafford, together with the Group’s share of gate receipts from domestic cup matches not played at Old Trafford, and fees for arranging other events at the Old Trafford stadium. As the Group acts as the principal in the sale of match tickets, the share of gate receipts payable to the other participating club and competition organizer for domestic cup matches played at Old Trafford is treated as an operating expense.
6Revenue from contracts with customers
6.1Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers
The principal activity of the Group is the operation of men’s and women’s professional football clubs. All of the activities of the Group support the operation of the football clubs and the success of the men’s first team in particular is critical to the on-going development of the Group. Consequently, the chief operating decision maker (being the Board and executive officers of Manchester United plc) regards the Group as operating in
All non-current assets, other than US deferred tax assets, are held within the United Kingdom. All revenue derives from the Group’s principal activity in the United Kingdom. Revenue can be analysed into its
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
|
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
Sponsorship | | | | | | | | |
Retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing | | | | | | | | |
Commercial |
| | | |
| |
| |
Domestic competitions | | | | | | | | |
European competitions | | | | | | | | |
Other | | | | | | | | |
Broadcasting |
| | | |
| |
| |
Matchday |
| | | |
| |
| |
|
| | | |
| |
| |
21
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
6Revenue from contracts with customers (continued)
6.2Assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers
Details of movements on assets related to contracts with customers are as follows:
|
| Current |
| | contract assets |
| | – accrued |
| | revenue |
| | £’000 |
At 1 July 2023 | | |
Recognized in revenue during the period | | |
Cash received/amounts invoiced during the period | | ( |
At 31 December 2023 |
| |
Recognized in revenue during the period |
| |
Cash received/amounts invoiced during the period |
| ( |
At 30 June 2024 |
| |
Recognized in revenue during the period |
| |
Cash received/amounts invoiced during the period | | ( |
At 31 December 2024 |
| |
A contract asset (accrued revenue) is recognized if commercial, broadcasting or Matchday revenue performance obligations are satisfied prior to unconditional consideration being due under the contract.
Details of movements on liabilities related to contracts with customers are as follows:
|
| Current |
| Non-current |
| |
| | contract | | contract | | Total contract |
| | liabilities – | | liabilities – | | liabilities – |
| | deferred | | deferred | | deferred |
| | revenue | | revenue | | revenue |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
At 1 July 2023 | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Recognized in revenue during the period | | | | — | | |
Cash received/amounts invoiced during the period | | ( | | — | | ( |
Reclassified to non-current during the period | | | | ( | | — |
At 31 December 2023 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Recognized in revenue during the period |
| |
| — |
| |
Cash received/amounts invoiced during the period |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Reclassified to current during the period |
| ( |
| |
| — |
At 30 June 2024 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Recognized in revenue during the period |
| |
| — |
| |
Cash received/amounts invoiced during the period |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Reclassified to current during the period |
| ( |
| |
| — |
At 31 December 2024 |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
Commercial, broadcasting and Matchday consideration which is received in advance of the performance obligation being satisfied is treated as a contract liability (deferred revenue). The deferred revenue is then recognized as revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. The Group receives substantial amounts of deferred revenue prior to the previous financial year end which is then recognized as revenue throughout the current year and, where applicable, future financial years.
22
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
7Operating expenses
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
|
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
Employee benefit expenses |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Depreciation - property, plant and equipment (Note 14) |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Depreciation – right-of-use assets (Note 15) | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Depreciation - investment property (Note 16) |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Amortization (Note 17) |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Sponsorship, other commercial and broadcasting costs | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
External Matchday costs | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Property costs | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Other operating expenses |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Exceptional items (Note 8) |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
8Exceptional items
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Club restructuring and redundancy costs | | ( | | — | | ( | | — |
Costs associated with loss of office |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Costs related to strategic review and share sale agreement with Sir Jim Ratcliffe | | — | | ( | | — | | ( |
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Exceptional items for the three and six months ended 31 December 2024 include costs related to the restructuring of the club’s operations and a redundancy scheme implemented in the first half of fiscal year 2025, as well as costs associated with the departure of former men’s first team manager Erik ten Hag and various members of football staff.
On 22 November 2022, Manchester United plc announced intentions to explore strategic alternatives for the club and on 24 December 2023 it was announced that an agreement had been reached with Trawlers Limited, a company wholly owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, for the sale of
9Profit on disposal of intangible assets
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Profit on disposal of registrations |
| | | |
| |
| |
23
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
10Net finance costs
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Interest payable on secured term loan facility, senior secured notes and revolving facilities |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Interest payable on lease liabilities (Note 15) | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Amortization of issue costs on secured term loan facility, senior secured notes and revolving facilities |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Foreign exchange losses on retranslation of unhedged US dollar borrowings (1) | | ( | | — | | — | | ( |
Unwinding of discount relating to registrations |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Interest on provisions | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges | | ( | | — | | ( | | — |
Fair value movement on derivative financial instruments: | | | | | | | | |
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives |
| — | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Total finance costs |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Interest receivable on short-term bank deposits |
| | | |
| |
| |
Foreign exchange gains on retranslation of unhedged US dollar borrowings (2) | | — | | | | | | — |
Hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges | | — | | | | — | | |
Fair value movement on derivative financial instruments: | | | | | | | | |
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | | | | — | | — | | — |
Total finance income (3) | | | | | | | | |
Net finance costs |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
11Income tax credit/(expense)
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Current tax |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Current tax on loss for the period |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Foreign tax |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Total current tax expense |
| ( | | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Deferred tax |
| | | |
| |
| |
Origination and reversal of temporary differences |
| | | ( |
| |
| |
Total deferred tax credit/(expense) |
| | | ( |
| |
| |
Total income credit/(expense) |
| | | ( |
| |
| |
Tax is recognized based on management’s estimate of the weighted average annual tax rate expected for the full financial year. Based on current forecasts, the estimated weighted average annual tax rate used for the year to 30 June 2025 is
The current year estimated weighted average annual tax rate of
24
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
11Income tax credit/(expense) (continued)
In addition to the amounts recognized in the statement of profit or loss, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognized in other comprehensive income:
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Deferred tax (Note 18) |
| | | ( |
| |
| |
Total income tax credit/(expense) recognized in other comprehensive income |
| | | ( |
| |
| |
12(Loss)/ earnings per share
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
(Loss)/profit for the period (£’000) |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
Basic (loss)/earnings per share (pence) |
| ( | | |
| ( |
| ( |
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (pence) (1) | | ( | | | | ( | | ( |
(i)Basic (loss)/earnings per share
Basic (loss)/earnings per share is calculated by dividing the (loss)/profit for the period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
(ii)Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Company has
(iii)Weighted average number of shares used as the denominator
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
| | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| | Number | | Number | | Number | | Number |
|
| ‘000 |
| ‘000 |
| ‘000 |
| ‘000 |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in calculating basic loss per share | | | | | | | | |
Adjustment for calculation of diluted earnings per share assumed conversion into Class A ordinary shares (1) | | — | | — | | — | | — |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares used as the denominator in calculating diluted loss per share (1) | | | | | | | | |
13Dividends
25
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
14Property, plant and equipment
|
| Freehold |
| Plant and |
| Fixtures |
| Assets under |
| |
| | property | | machinery | | and fittings | | construction | | Total |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
At 1 July 2024 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Cost |
| | | | | | | — | | |
Accumulated depreciation |
| ( | | ( | | ( | | — | | ( |
Net book amount |
| | | | | | | — | | |
Six months ended 31 December 2024 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Opening net book amount |
| | | | | | | — | | |
Additions |
| |
| |
| | | |
| |
Depreciation charge |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | | — |
| ( |
Closing net book amount |
| |
| |
| | | |
| |
At 31 December 2024 | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost | | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated depreciation | | ( | | ( | | ( | | — | | ( |
Net book amount | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
At 1 July 2023 |
| |
| |
| | | |
| |
Cost |
| |
| |
| | | — |
| |
Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | | — |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| | | — |
| |
Six months ended 31 December 2023 |
| |
| |
| | | |
| |
Opening net book amount |
| |
| |
| | | — |
| |
Additions |
| |
| |
| | | — |
| |
Depreciation charge |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | | — |
| ( |
Closing net book amount |
| |
| |
| | | — |
| |
At 31 December 2023 |
| |
| |
| | | |
| |
Cost |
| |
| |
| | | — |
| |
Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | | — |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| | | — |
| |
26
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
15Leases
(i)Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet
The balance sheet shows the following amounts relating to leases:
Right-of-use assets:
|
| 31 December |
| 30 June |
| 31 December |
| | 2024 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Property |
| |
| |
| |
Plant and machinery |
| |
| |
| |
Total |
| |
| |
| |
Additions to right-of-use assets for the six months ended 31 December 2024 amounted to £
Lease liabilities:
|
| 31 December |
| 30 June |
| 31 December |
| | 2024 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Current |
| |
| |
| |
Non-current |
| |
| |
| |
Total lease liabilities |
| |
| |
|
The following table provides an analysis of the movements in lease liabilities:
|
| £’000 |
At 1 July 2023 |
| |
Cash flows |
| ( |
Additions | | |
Accretion expense |
| |
At 31 December 2023 |
| |
Cash flows |
| ( |
Additions |
| |
Accretion expense |
| |
At 30 June 2024 |
| |
Cash flows |
| ( |
Additions |
| |
Accretion expense |
| |
At 31 December 2024 |
| |
(ii)Amounts recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss:
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Depreciation charge of right-of-use assets |
|
| | | | |
|
|
Property |
| ( | | ( | | ( |
| ( |
Plant and machinery |
| ( | | ( | | ( |
| ( |
|
| ( | | ( | | ( |
| ( |
Interest expense (included in finance costs) |
| ( | | ( | | ( |
| ( |
Expense relating to short-term leases (included in operating expenses) |
| ( | | ( | | ( |
| ( |
27
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
15Leases (continued)
(iii)The group’s leasing activities and how these are accounted for
The Group leases various offices and equipment. All leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value, are recognized as a right-of-use asset, with a corresponding lease liability, at the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group.
The lease agreements do not impose any covenants other than the security interests in the right-of-use assets that are held by the lessor. Right-of-use assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.
Lease liabilities are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present value of lease payments, less any lease incentives receivable. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be determined, which is generally the case for leases of the Group, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the Group would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions.
Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.
Right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost comprising the following:
| ● | the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability; |
| ● | any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; |
| ● | any initial direct costs; and |
| ● | restoration costs. |
Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. Payments associated with short-term leases of property, plant and equipment and all leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less.
28
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
16Investment property
| | Total |
|
| £’000 |
At 1 July 2024 |
| |
Cost |
| |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
Six months ended 31 December 2024 |
| |
Opening net book amount |
| |
Depreciation charge |
| ( |
Closing net book amount |
| |
At 31 December 2024 | | |
Cost | | |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment | | ( |
Net book amount | | |
| | |
At 1 July 2023 |
| |
Cost |
| |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
Six months ended 31 December 2023 |
| |
Opening net book amount |
| |
Depreciation charge |
| ( |
Closing net book amount |
| |
At 31 December 2023 |
| |
Cost |
| |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
Investment properties were externally valued as of 30 June 2024 in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (“RICS”) Valuation - Global Standards 2017 on the basis of Fair Value (as defined in the Standards). The fair value of investment properties as of 30 June 2024 was £
Fair value of investment properties is determined using inputs that are not based on observable market data, consequently the asset is categorized as Level 3.
29
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
17Intangible assets
| | | | | | Other | | |
| | | | | | intangible | | |
|
| Goodwill |
| Registrations |
| assets |
| Total |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
At 1 July 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Accumulated amortization |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Six months ended 31 December 2024 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Opening net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Additions |
| — |
| |
| |
| |
Disposals |
| — |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Amortization charge |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Closing net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
At 31 December 2024 | | | | | | | | |
Cost | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated amortization | | — | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Net book amount | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
At 1 July 2023 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Cost |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Accumulated amortization |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Six months ended 31 December 2023 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Opening net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Additions |
| — |
| |
| |
| |
Disposals |
| — |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Amortization charge |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Closing net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
At 31 December 2023 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Cost |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Accumulated amortization |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Impairment tests for goodwill
Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested annually for impairment (normally at the end of the third fiscal quarter) or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. Management has considered the carrying amount of goodwill as of 31 December 2024 and concluded that, as there are no indicators of impairment, a detailed impairment test is not required. Having assessed the future anticipated cash flows, management believes that any reasonably possible changes in key assumptions would not result in an impairment of goodwill.
30
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
17Intangible assets (continued)
Significant estimates - fair value of registrations
The costs associated with the acquisition of players’ and key football management staff registrations include an estimate of the fair value of any contingent consideration. The estimate of the fair value of the contingent consideration payable requires management to assess the likelihood of specific performance conditions being met which would trigger the payment of the contingent consideration. This assessment is carried out on an individual basis. The maximum additional amount that could be payable as of 31 December 2024 is disclosed in Note 31.1. The estimate over the probability of contingent consideration payable could impact the net book value of registrations and amortization recognized in the statement of profit or loss.
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets include internally generated assets whose cost and accumulated amortization as of 31 December 2024 was £
18Deferred tax
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the Group has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after allowable offset) for financial reporting purposes:
| | 31 December | | 30 June | | 31 December |
|
| 2024 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Net deferred tax asset/(liability) |
| |
| |
| ( |
The movements in the net deferred tax asset/(liability) are as follows:
| | 31 December | | 30 June | | 31 December |
|
| 2024 |
| 2024 | | 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 |
| £’000 |
At the beginning of the period |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Credited to the statement of profit or loss (Note 11) |
| |
| |
| |
Credited to other comprehensive income (Note 11) |
| |
| |
| |
Expense relating to share-based payments | | — | | ( | | — |
At the end of the period |
| |
| |
| ( |
Group profits are subject to both UK and US corporate tax. The current US federal corporate income tax rate is
Significant estimates – recognition of deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the associated deductions will be available for use against future profits and that there will be sufficient future taxable profit available against which the temporary differences can be utilized, provided the asset can be reliably quantified. In estimating future taxable profit, management use “base case” approved forecasts which incorporate a number of assumptions, including a prudent level of future uncontracted revenue in the forecast period. In arriving at a judgment in relation to the recognition of deferred tax assets, management considers the regulations applicable to tax, advice on their interpretation and potential future business planning. Future taxable income may be higher or lower than estimates made when determining whether it is appropriate to record a tax asset and the amount to be recorded. Furthermore, changes in the legislative framework or applicable tax case law may result in management reassessing the recognition of deferred tax assets in future periods.
31
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
19Inventories
|
| 31 December |
| 30 June | | 31 December |
| | 2024 | | 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Finished goods |
| |
| |
| |
The cost of inventories recognized as an expense and included in operating expenses for the six months ended 31 December 2024 amounted to £
20Trade receivables
| | 31 December | | 30 June | | 31 December |
|
| 2024 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Trade receivables |
|
| |
| ||
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net trade receivables |
|
| |
| ||
Less: non-current portion |
| |
| |
| |
Trade receivables |
| |
| |
| |
Current trade receivables |
| |
| |
| |
Net trade receivables include transfer fees receivable from other football clubs of £
Gross contractual trade receivables pre discounting as at 31 December 2024 were £
21Derivative financial instruments
| | 31 December 2024 | | 30 June 2024 | | 31 December 2023 | ||||||
| | Assets | | Liabilities | | Assets | | Liabilities | | Assets | | Liabilities |
|
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
Used for hedging: | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
Interest rate swaps | | — | | — | | — | | — | | | | — |
Forward foreign exchange contracts |
| — |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
At fair value through profit or loss: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives |
| |
| — |
| |
| — |
| |
| ( |
|
| |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Less non-current portion: |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Used for hedging: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forward foreign exchange contracts |
| — | | ( | | — | | ( | | | | ( |
At fair value through profit or loss: |
| | | |
| |
| |
| | | |
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives |
| | | — |
| |
| — |
| | | — |
Non-current derivative financial instruments |
| | | ( |
| |
| ( |
| | | ( |
Current derivative financial instruments |
| | | ( |
| |
| ( |
| | | ( |
32
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
21Derivative financial instruments (continued)
Fair value hierarchy
Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value. The different levels used in measuring fair value have been defined in accounting standards as follows:
| ● | Level 1 – the fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period. |
| ● | Level 2 – the fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined using valuation techniques which maximize the use of observable market data and as little as possible on entity-specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in Level 2. |
| ● | Level 3 – if one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3. |
All of the financial instruments detailed above are included in Level 2.
22Cash and cash equivalents
| | 31 December | | 30 June | | 31 December |
|
| 2024 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Cash at bank and in hand |
| |
| |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the interim consolidated statement of cash flows are as above.
23Share capital
|
| Number of shares |
| Ordinary shares |
| | (thousands) | | £’000 |
At 1 July 2023 |
| |
| |
Employee share-based compensation awards – issue of shares |
| |
| |
At 31 December 2023 |
| |
| |
Trawlers Limited investment – issue of shares |
| |
| |
Employee share-based compensation awards – issue of shares | | | | |
At 30 June 2024 | | | | |
Trawlers Limited investment – issue of shares |
| |
| |
At 31 December 2024 |
| |
| |
The Company has
33
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
23Share capital (continued)
In connection with the Trawlers Transaction, the Company issued
As of 31 December 2024, the Company’s issued share capital comprised
24Treasury shares
| | Number of | | |
| | shares | | |
|
| (thousands) |
| £’000 |
At 1 July 2023, 31 December 2023, 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2024 |
| |
| |
25Trade and other payables
| | 31 December | | 30 June | | 31 December |
|
| 2024 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Trade payables |
| |
| |
| |
Other payables |
| |
| |
| |
Accrued expenses |
| |
| |
| |
Social security and other taxes |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
Less: non-current portion |
| | | | | |
Trade payables |
| | | | | |
Other payables |
| | | | | |
Non-current trade and other payables |
| | | | | |
Current trade and other payables |
| | | | | |
Trade payables include transfer fees and other associated costs in relation to the acquisition of players’ registrations of £
Gross contractual trade payables pre discounting as at 31 December 2024 were £
34
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
26Borrowings
| | 31 December | | 30 June | | 31 December |
|
| 2024 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
Senior secured notes |
| |
| |
| |
Secured term loan facility |
| |
| |
| |
Revolving credit facilities |
| |
| |
| |
Accrued interest on senior secured notes and revolving credit facilities |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
Less: non-current portion |
| |
| |
| |
Senior secured notes |
| |
| |
| |
Secured term loan facility |
| |
| |
| |
Non-current borrowings |
| |
| |
| |
Current borrowings |
| |
| |
| |
The senior secured notes of £
The senior secured notes were issued by our wholly owned subsidiary, Manchester United Football Club Limited, and are guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited, MU RAML Limited and MU Finance Limited and are secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities and Manchester United Football Club Limited. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
The secured term loan facility of £
The secured term loan facility was provided to our wholly owned subsidiary, Manchester United Football Club Limited, and is guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited, MU Finance Limited and Manchester United Football Club Limited and is secured against substantially all of the assets of each of those entities. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
The Group also has £
The Group has complied with all covenants under its revolving facilities, the secured term loan facility and the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes during the 2024 and 2023 reporting period.
35
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
27Provisions
|
| Other(1) |
| Tax(2) |
| Total |
|
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
At 1 July 2023 |
| |
| |
| |
Charged/(credited) to profit or loss: |
| |
| |
| |
Reassessment of provisions | | | | ( | | ( |
At 31 December 2023 |
| |
| |
| |
Credited to profit or loss: |
| |
| |
| |
Reassessment of provisions |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
At 30 June 2024 |
| |
| |
| |
Charged to profit or loss: |
| |
| |
| |
Reassessment of provisions |
| |
| |
| |
At 31 December 2024 |
| |
| |
| |
Less: non-current portion | | | | | | |
Provisions | | — | | — | | — |
Current provisions |
| |
| |
| |
(1) Other provision
Other provision includes, amongst other items, make good provisions as the Group is required to restore the leased premises of its office spaces to their original condition at the end of the respective lease terms. A provision has been recognized based upon the estimated expenditure required to remove any leasehold improvements. The remaining term on such leased properties is between
(2) Tax provision
Provision in respect of player related tax matters. The timing of cash outflows is by its nature uncertain but it is management’s best estimate that these will be made within the next 12 months.
28Cash used in operations
| | Three months ended | | Six months ended | ||||
| | 31 December | | 31 December | ||||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
(Loss)/profit before income tax |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Adjustments for: |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Depreciation |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Amortization |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Profit on disposal of intangible assets |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net finance costs |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Non-cash employee benefit expense - equity-settled share-based payments | | | | | | | | |
Foreign exchange losses/(gains) on operating activities |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
Reclassified from hedging reserve |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
Changes in working capital: |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Inventories |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Prepayments | | | | | | ( | | ( |
Contract assets – accrued revenue | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Trade receivables | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Other receivables |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Contract liabilities – deferred revenue | | ( | | ( | | ( | | ( |
Trade and other payables |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Provisions | | ( | | | | ( | | ( |
Cash used in operations |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
36
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
29Pension arrangements
The Group participates in the Football League Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (‘the Scheme’). The Scheme is a funded multi-employer defined benefit scheme where members may have periods of service attributable to several participating employers. The Group is unable to identify its share of the assets and liabilities of the Scheme and therefore accounts for its contributions as if they were paid to a defined contribution scheme. The Group has received confirmation that the assets and liabilities of the Scheme cannot be split between the participating employers. The Group is advised only of the additional contributions it is required to pay to make good the deficit. These contributions could increase in the future if one or more of the participating employers exits the Scheme.
The last triennial actuarial valuation of the Scheme was carried out at 31 August 2023 where the total deficit on the ongoing valuation basis was £
The Group currently pays total contributions of £
As of 31 December 2024, the present value of the Group’s outstanding contributions (i.e. its future liability) is £
Contributions are also made to defined contribution pension arrangements and are charged to the statement of profit or loss in the period in which they become payable.
30Financial risk management
30.1 Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange risk, and cash flow and fair value interest rate risk), credit risk, and liquidity risk.
The interim consolidated financial statements do not include all financial risk management information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, they should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended 30 June 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 13 September 2024, contained within the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F.
There have been no changes in risk management since the previous financial year end or in any risk management policies.
37
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
30Financial risk management (continued)
30.2 Hedging activities
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain exposures and has designated certain derivatives as hedges of cash flows (cash flow hedge).
The Group hedges the foreign exchange risk on contracted future US dollar revenues whenever possible using the Group’s US dollar net borrowings as the hedging instrument. The foreign exchange gains or losses arising on re-translation of the Group’s US dollar net borrowings used in the hedge are initially recognized in other comprehensive income, rather than being recognized in the statement of profit or loss immediately. Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the hedging reserve are subsequently reclassified into the statement of profit or loss in the same accounting period, and within the same statement of profit or loss line (i.e. commercial revenue), as the underlying future US dollar revenues, which given the varying lengths of the commercial revenue contracts will be between January 2025 to June 2029. The foreign exchange gains or losses arising on re-translation of the Group’s unhedged US dollar borrowings are recognized in the statement of profit or loss immediately (within net finance costs). The table below details the net borrowings being hedged at the balance sheet date:
| | 31 December | | 30 June | | 31 December |
|
| 2024 |
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | $’000 | | $’000 | | $’000 |
USD borrowings |
| |
| |
| |
Hedged USD cash |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net USD debt |
| |
| |
| |
Hedged future USD revenues (1) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Unhedged USD borrowings |
| |
| |
| |
Closing USD exchange rate ($: £) |
| |
| |
| |
The Group seeks to hedge the majority of the foreign exchange risk on revenue arising as a result of participation in UEFA club competitions, either by using contracted future foreign exchange expenses (including player transfer fee commitments) or by placing forward foreign exchange contracts, at the point at which it becomes reasonably certain that it will receive the revenue. The Group also seeks to hedge the foreign exchange risk on other contracted future foreign exchange expenses using available foreign exchange cash balances and forward foreign exchange contracts.
Summary of hedging reserve
The Group’s hedging reserve comprises of two separate hedging reserves, the cash flow hedge reserve and the cost of hedging reserve. Details of balances in each reserve (net of tax) are shown below.
| | At 31 December 2024 | | At 30 June 2024 | | At 31 December 2023 |
|
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
Cash flow hedge reserve |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Cost of hedging reserve |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Total hedging reserve |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
38
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
31Contingent liabilities and contingent assets
31.1 Contingent liabilities
The Group had contingent liabilities at 31 December 2024 in respect of:
(i)Transfer fees
Under the terms of certain contracts with other football clubs and agents in respect of player transfers, additional amounts, in excess of the amounts included in the cost of registrations, would be payable by the Group if certain substantive performance conditions are met. These excess amounts are only recognized within the cost of registrations when the Group considers that it is probable that the condition related to the payment will be achieved. The maximum additional amounts that could be payable is £
|
| First team |
| |
| |
| | squad | | Other | | Total |
Type of condition | | £’000 | | £’000 | | £’000 |
MUFC appearances/team success/new contract |
| |
| |
| |
International appearances |
| |
| |
| |
Awards | | | | — | | |
Other | | | | — | | |
|
| |
| |
| |
(ii) Tax matters
We are currently in active discussions with UK tax authorities over a number of tax areas in relation to arrangements with players and players’ representatives. It is possible that in the future, as a result of discussions between the Group and UK tax authorities, as well as discussions UK tax authorities are holding with other stakeholders within the football industry, interpretations of applicable rules will be challenged, which could result in liabilities in relation to these matters. The information usually required by IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets’, is not disclosed on the grounds that it is not practicable to be disclosed.
31.2 Contingent assets
(i)Transfer fees
Under the terms of certain contracts with other football clubs in respect of player transfers, additional amounts would be payable to the Group if certain specific performance conditions are met. In accordance with the recognition criteria for contingent assets, such amounts are only disclosed by the Group when probable and recognized when virtually certain. As of 31 December 2024, the amount of such receipt considered to be probable was £
32Commitments
32.1 Capital commitments
As at 31 December 2024, the Group had contracted capital expenditure relating to property, plant and equipment amounting to £
39
Manchester United plc
Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements – unaudited (continued)
33Events occurring after the reporting period
33.1 Registrations
Subsequent to 31 December 2024, the playing registrations of certain footballers have been disposed of. Total net proceeds were £
Also subsequent to 31 December 2024, the playing registrations of certain players were acquired or extended for a total consideration, including associated costs, of £
34Related party transactions
As of 31 December 2024, trusts and other entities controlled by
35Subsidiaries
The following companies are the subsidiary undertakings of the Company as of 31 December 2024:
| | | | % of ownership |
Subsidiaries |
| Principal activity |
| interest |
Red Football Finance Limited* |
| Dormant company | | |
Red Football Holdings Limited* |
| Holding company | | |
Red Football Shareholder Limited |
| Holding company | | |
Red Football Joint Venture Limited |
| Holding company | | |
Red Football Limited |
| Holding company | | |
Red Football Junior Limited |
| Holding company | | |
Manchester United Limited |
| Holding company | | |
Alderley Urban Investments Limited |
| Property investment | | |
Manchester United Football Club Limited |
| Professional football club | | |
Manchester United Women’s Football Club Limited | | Professional football club | | |
Manchester United Interactive Limited |
| Dormant company | | |
MU 099 Limited |
| Dormant company | | |
MU Commercial Holdings Limited |
| Non-trading company | | |
MU Commercial Holdings Junior Limited |
| Non-trading company | | |
MU Finance Limited |
| Non-trading company | | |
MU RAML Limited |
| Retail and licensing company | | |
MUTV Limited |
| Media company | | |
RAML USA LLC |
| Dormant company | |
*Direct investment of Manchester United plc, others are held by subsidiary undertakings.
All of the above are incorporated and operate in England and Wales, with the exception of Red Football Finance Limited which is incorporated and operates in the Cayman Islands and RAML USA LLC which is incorporated in the United States.
40