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Manchester United Plc (MANU)
NYSE:MANU

Manchester United (MANU) AI Stock Analysis

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MANU

Manchester United

(NYSE:MANU)

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Neutral 44 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:44Neutral
Price Target:
$17.00
▲(8.83% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/27/26
The score is primarily held back by financial fundamentals—high leverage, persistent net losses, and negative/uneven free cash flow despite strong gross/EBITDA margins. Technicals are mildly constructive with price above key averages and neutral momentum, but not strong enough to offset balance-sheet and cash-flow risk. Valuation is also constrained by negative earnings (negative P/E) and no provided dividend yield.
Positive Factors
High gross and EBITDA margins
Sustained high gross and EBITDA margins indicate the club captures strong economics from commercial and matchday operations. Those margins create durable operating cash earnings that help absorb revenue swings, fund reinvestment in squads and infrastructure, and support profitability when top-line recovers.
Diversified revenue streams and global fanbase
A diversified model across sponsorships, media rights, matchday, retail and licensing reduces reliance on any single income source. The club's global brand and large fanbase underpin long-term commercial pricing power and recurring monetization channels that support revenue resilience over multiple seasons.
Positive operating cash flow & cost transformation
Management’s cost-reduction and 'off-pitch' transformation have improved profitability and produced constructive operating cash generation (OCF positive TTM). Reaffirmed EBITDA and revenue guidance plus public FFP compliance signal disciplined operating control and clearer near-term cash conversion trajectories.
Negative Factors
High leverage and constrained balance sheet
Very high leverage materially limits financial flexibility and raises refinancing risk. With equity modest relative to assets, the company is more exposed to interest rate moves and earnings volatility, reducing capacity to fund transfers or stadium projects without external financing.
Negative trailing twelve-month free cash flow
Negative FCF after investments means the business is not currently self-funding long-term capital needs. That gap increases dependence on debt or other financing to support player recruitment and infrastructure plans, worsening leverage dynamics and limiting strategic optionality.
Revenue volatility tied to on-field performance and sponsors
Top-line is sensitive to sporting outcomes and partner renewals. Loss of a major kit sponsor and missed European competition reduced both commercial and broadcasting receipts, showing structural revenue lumpy-ness that complicates multi-year planning and makes margins and cash flow more cyclical.

Manchester United (MANU) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Manchester United Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionManchester United plc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a professional sports team in the United Kingdom. The company operates Manchester United Football Club, a professional football club. It develops marketing and sponsorship relationships with international and regional companies to leverage its brand. The company also markets and sells sports apparel, training and leisure wear, and other clothing featuring the Manchester United brand; and sells other licensed products, such as coffee mugs and bed spreads featuring the Manchester United brand and trademarks, as well as distributes these products through Manchester United branded retail centers and e-commerce platforms, and through the company's partners' wholesale distribution channels. In addition, it distributes live football content directly, as well as through commercial partners; broadcasts television rights relating to the Premier League, Union of European Football Associations club competitions, and other competitions; and delivers Manchester United programming through MUTV television channel to territories worldwide. Further, the company offers a direct to consumer subscription mobile application; and operates Old Trafford, a sports venue with 74,239 seats, as well as invests in properties. Manchester United plc was founded in 1878 and is based in Manchester, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyManchester United generates revenue through several key streams: matchday revenue, which includes ticket sales and hospitality services during home games; broadcasting revenue, primarily from television rights and media partnerships; and commercial revenue, which encompasses sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and licensing agreements. The club has significant partnerships with major brands, including Adidas and Chevrolet, which contribute substantial financial support. Additionally, Manchester United's extensive global fanbase allows for increased merchandising opportunities and digital engagement, further enhancing its revenue potential.

Manchester United Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Type
Revenue by Type
Breaks down revenue streams such as matchday, broadcasting, and commercial activities, highlighting the club's financial health and reliance on different income sources.
Chart InsightsManchester United's revenue from Sponsorship and Retail segments shows resilience, with a notable uptick in recent quarters, suggesting effective brand leverage and merchandising strategies. However, Domestic and European Broadcasting revenues are volatile, reflecting the club's fluctuating performance in competitions. Matchday revenue has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, indicating robust fan engagement. The absence of earnings call commentary leaves potential strategic shifts unclear, but the data suggests a focus on maximizing commercial opportunities while navigating competitive uncertainties.
Data provided by:The Fly

Manchester United Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income statement fundamentals are weak (flat/slightly down TTM revenue and recurring net losses), despite strong gross and EBITDA margins that indicate brand-driven operating profitability. Balance sheet risk is elevated with very high leverage (debt-to-equity ~4.1x) and negative ROE across periods. Cash flow is mixed: operating cash flow is positive, but TTM free cash flow is negative, limiting self-funding capacity versus the debt load. KPI insights add that revenue diversification helps resilience, but broadcasting revenue volatility tied to on-field performance remains a key risk.
Income Statement
42
Neutral
TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) revenue is essentially flat to slightly down (about -1.3% growth), and profitability remains pressured with a small net loss (about -1.4% margin) despite a positive operating profit. A key positive is the strong gross and EBITDA profitability profile (TTM gross margin ~65% and EBITDA margin ~37%), showing the underlying franchise can generate meaningful operating cash earnings. The main weaknesses are the lack of consistent bottom-line profitability across the annual periods (repeated net losses) and volatility in operating performance, which limits overall earnings quality.
Balance Sheet
28
Negative
Leverage is the central issue: TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) debt is high relative to equity (debt-to-equity ~4.1x), and equity remains modest versus the asset base. Returns on equity are negative in every period provided (TTM return on equity is negative), reflecting that shareholders have not been earning a positive return on their capital. While total assets have grown over time, the balance sheet flexibility is constrained by the heavy debt load, leaving the company more exposed to refinancing risk and earnings/cash flow swings.
Cash Flow
35
Negative
Operating cash flow is positive in every period shown (TTM operating cash flow ~$109M), which is a supportive signal for day-to-day funding. However, free cash flow is inconsistent and is negative in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) (about -$135M), indicating that after investment and other cash uses the business is not currently self-funding. The cash generation also looks thin relative to the debt burden (TTM operating cash flow coverage is low), which reduces financial cushion even though near-term operations are generating cash.
BreakdownTTMJun 2025Jun 2024Sep 2023Jun 2022Jun 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue655.40M666.51M661.75M648.40M583.20M494.12M
Gross Profit424.77M548.83M568.02M547.17M583.20M455.08M
EBITDA231.47M185.38M128.74M156.22M79.45M94.23M
Net Income-9.08M-33.02M-113.16M-28.68M-115.51M-92.22M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.67B1.64B1.34B1.32B1.29B1.26B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments44.41M86.11M73.55M76.02M121.22M110.66M
Total Debt780.39M645.45M555.26M622.18M640.55M534.58M
Total Liabilities1.48B1.44B1.20B1.21B1.17B987.80M
Stockholders Equity190.74M193.73M144.89M103.95M127.51M272.51M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-134.97M27.98M-122.56M-76.01M-27.37M-31.35M
Operating Cash Flow109.43M72.70M85.67M95.77M96.37M113.08M
Investing Cash Flow-288.23M-274.68M-171.20M-140.16M-93.43M-99.37M
Financing Cash Flow111.93M209.58M86.23M-1.95M5.04M47.64M

Manchester United Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price15.62
Price Trends
50DMA
16.87
Positive
100DMA
16.57
Positive
200DMA
16.55
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.21
Positive
RSI
59.22
Neutral
STOCH
69.24
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For MANU, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 15.62 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 17.56, below the 50-day MA of 16.87, and below the 200-day MA of 16.55, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.21 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 59.22 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 69.24 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for MANU.

Manchester United Risk Analysis

Manchester United disclosed 55 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Manchester United reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 1 New Risks
1.
If we repurchase shares of our stock including our Class A ordinary shares, we may be subject to a 1% U.S. federal excise tax. Q2, 2023

Manchester United Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
65
Neutral
$2.98B58.59224.08%0.68%-80.73%
62
Neutral
$31.81B146.502.25%9.81%-42.40%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
58
Neutral
$31.81B134.952.25%9.81%-42.40%
56
Neutral
$2.80B-128.20-4.45%6.62%97.35%
54
Neutral
$7.98B-480.95-1.16%-133.74%
44
Neutral
$3.11B-257.65-4.78%5.69%52.32%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
MANU
Manchester United
18.01
3.70
25.86%
FWONA
Liberty Media Liberty Formula One
84.37
-2.13
-2.46%
MSGS
Madison Square Garden Sports
331.66
130.18
64.61%
FWONK
Liberty Media Liberty Formula One
91.59
-2.07
-2.21%
MSGE
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
63.14
29.31
86.64%
BATRA
Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc Class A
48.41
4.50
10.25%

Manchester United Corporate Events

Manchester United Swings to Quarterly Profit as Cost Cuts Offset Revenue Dip
Feb 26, 2026

Manchester United plc reported interim unaudited results for the three and six months ended 31 December 2025, showing a 4.2% year-on-year decline in quarterly revenue to £190.3 million, driven by weaker commercial and matchday income. Commercial revenue fell 7.8% as sponsorship dropped 13.5% following the end of the Tezos training kit deal, while retail and licensing slipped modestly.

Broadcasting revenue rose 1.1%, supported by expectations of a higher Premier League finish and improved international rights values, partly offset by the men’s first team missing UEFA competitions compared with the prior year. Total operating expenses fell 11.5% to £173.9 million, reflecting headcount reduction and broader cost-cutting programs plus fewer home matches, and these efficiencies helped swing the club from a £27.7 million loss after tax a year earlier to a £4.2 million profit after tax in the quarter.

Matchday revenue decreased 4.8% due mainly to three fewer home cup fixtures, though performance across seven league home games improved, underscoring operational gains despite lower volume. The figures, signed off on 26 February 2026, highlight the club’s reliance on commercial partnerships and European participation for topline growth, while cost rationalisation has become a key driver of near-term profitability for shareholders and other stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (MANU) stock is a Sell with a $16.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Manchester United stock, see the MANU Stock Forecast page.

Manchester United Swings to Profit and Reaffirms Outlook in Q2 Fiscal 2026
Feb 25, 2026

Manchester United reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results on 25 February 2026, showing a sharp turnaround to a £19.6 million operating profit for the quarter and £32.6 million for the first half, compared with a loss a year earlier, driven by cost and headcount reduction programs. Despite a 4.2% year-on-year dip in quarterly revenue to £190.3 million and the men’s team’s absence from UEFA competition, adjusted EBITDA rose to £76.0 million in the quarter and £102.9 million for the half, while the club reaffirmed full-year guidance, highlighted strong league positions for both men’s and women’s teams, appointed Michael Carrick as men’s head coach for the 2025/26 season, and advanced plans for a regenerated Old Trafford through support of a new Mayoral Development Corporation.

The most recent analyst rating on (MANU) stock is a Sell with a $16.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Manchester United stock, see the MANU Stock Forecast page.

Manchester United Sets February 25 Date for Fiscal Q2 2026 Earnings Release
Feb 17, 2026

Manchester United plc, the NYSE‑listed parent of the Manchester United football club, leverages its long-standing on‑pitch success and 148‑year heritage to power a diversified sports and entertainment business. The club’s global fan base of more than a billion followers supports revenue streams in sponsorship, media rights, retail, licensing and matchday operations, which in turn fund continued reinvestment in the team and infrastructure.

On 17 February 2026, Manchester United announced it will release its fiscal 2026 second‑quarter results, covering the period ended 31 December 2025, via press release on 25 February 2026 at 7:00 a.m. EST. The scheduled earnings announcement will give investors updated visibility into the club’s financial performance mid‑season, with potential implications for market expectations on revenue trends and ongoing reinvestment in the club’s sporting ambitions.

The most recent analyst rating on (MANU) stock is a Sell with a $16.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Manchester United stock, see the MANU Stock Forecast page.

Manchester United Names Michael Carrick Head Coach for Remainder of 2025/26 Season
Jan 13, 2026

On 13 January 2026, Manchester United announced it has appointed former club midfielder Michael Carrick as Head Coach of the men’s first team until the end of the 2025/26 season, signalling a return to a figure closely associated with the club’s modern-era success. Carrick, a highly decorated ex-player who later served on the first-team coaching staff and as caretaker manager, arrives from a two-and-a-half-year spell as Head Coach at Middlesbrough and will be supported by a backroom team including Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson. The move, endorsed by Director of Football Jason Wilcox as key to restoring “regular and sustained success,” underlines the club’s strategy of blending institutional knowledge with experienced coaching support, while Darren Fletcher transitions back to his role leading the Under-18s, maintaining focus on youth development as a core pillar of the club’s long-term competitiveness.

The most recent analyst rating on (MANU) stock is a Sell with a $14.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Manchester United stock, see the MANU Stock Forecast page.

Manchester United Parts Ways with Head Coach Ruben Amorim as Club Sits Sixth in Premier League
Jan 6, 2026

On January 5, 2026, Manchester United announced that head coach Ruben Amorim has left his role, ending a tenure that began with his appointment in November 2024 and included leading the team to the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao in May 2025. With the club currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, the board stated it had reluctantly decided a change was needed to maximize the prospects of achieving the highest possible league finish this season, signaling a strategic mid-season reset that could affect on-pitch performance, dressing-room dynamics, and the club’s broader competitive positioning. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team for the upcoming match against Burnley on Wednesday, underscoring an interim solution while the club reassesses its long-term managerial direction.

The most recent analyst rating on (MANU) stock is a Hold with a $15.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Manchester United stock, see the MANU Stock Forecast page.

Manchester United Reports Revenue Decline for Q3 2025
Dec 12, 2025

Manchester United PLC reported its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2025, showing a 2.0% decline in total revenue compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to decreased sponsorship and broadcasting revenues. Despite a reduction in operating expenses by 7.1%, the company experienced a loss of £6.7 million after tax, attributed to reduced participation in UEFA competitions and changes in commercial partnerships.

The most recent analyst rating on (MANU) stock is a Hold with a $16.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Manchester United stock, see the MANU Stock Forecast page.

Manchester United Announces Strong Q1 Fiscal 2026 Results
Dec 11, 2025

On December 11, 2025, Manchester United PLC announced its first quarter fiscal 2026 results, revealing total revenues of £140.3 million and an operating profit of £13.0 million, a significant improvement from the previous year’s operating loss. The club’s financial resilience is attributed to cost reduction measures and strategic investments in its teams, with the men’s team ranked sixth in the Premier League and the women’s team third in the Women’s Super League. The club also extended partnerships with Canon Medical Systems and Concha y Toro, maintaining its strong market presence.

The most recent analyst rating on (MANU) stock is a Hold with a $16.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Manchester United stock, see the MANU Stock Forecast page.

Manchester United to Release Q1 Fiscal 2026 Earnings Report
Dec 5, 2025

On December 5, 2025, Manchester United plc announced that it will release its first quarter fiscal 2026 earnings report on December 11, 2025. This announcement is significant for stakeholders as it provides insights into the company’s financial performance and strategic positioning in the sports and entertainment industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (MANU) stock is a Hold with a $16.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Manchester United stock, see the MANU Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 27, 2026