Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Manchester United face Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend and the two rivals are also doing battle off the pitch.
The Manchester derby is right around the corner and bragging rights are up for grabs for Manchester United.
While the players of both clubs do battle on the pitch, the two Premier League powerhouses are also battling to raise their revenue.
United struck a new SumUp sleeve sponsorship deal this summer, as well as a new £20m Betway sponsorship deal. The club’s commercial revenue is set to spike in 2026/27, and football finance expert Kieran Maguire thinks it could be enough to put United on the financial throne.
Old Trafford view
Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images
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Kieran Maguire comments on Man United’s improving commercial revenue
Speaking exclusively to United in Focus, finance expert Kieran Maguire said:
“Manchester United, historically, were always the biggest commercial brand in the Premier League.
“It is one of the objectives of Ratcliffe and Ineos to return United to that position.
“Qualifying for the Champions League is therefore not desirable, it’s essential, if Manchester United are to take over from rivals Manchester City.
“There’s no doubt that in terms of having a global fan base and global interest, Manchester United are ahead of City.
“But, it has been 13 years without winning the Premier League or winning a major trophy, and that has meant that City have managed to catch up and overtake United in that regard.
“There are kids growing up in Manchester for whom City are the successful team and Manchester United are a historical team.
“So, the success in qualifying for the Champions League is going to be very beneficial to United.
“United have managed to sign up with commercial partners to maximize leverage from being in the Premier European tournament. If this continues, one would expect them to overtake City once again.
*“Although, City have got themselves quite a few new deals and an expanded stadium this season as well.*“
Man United vs Man City commercial revenue comparison
In the latest full set of accounts in 2024/25, United’s commercial revenue was £333 million, making up around half of the club’s £667m total revenue.
In comparison, Manchester City generated more commercial revenue than any other Premier League club, topping charts with £340 million.
United’s revenue is expected to boom in 2026/27 thanks to a return to the Champions League, improved matchday revenue and new sponsorship partners.
READ MORE: How Man United can earn £41m from the Champions League group phase alone
Ineos are aiming to increase total revenue by £90 million per year to reach an £800 million milestone by 2028. Increasing commercial revenue is a key part of that project.
United are well on track to regaining their commercial throne from Manchester City, but as Maguire points out, Champions League qualification is essential.