Manchester United's wage bill was roughly half that of Women's Super League rivals Arsenal last season, according to the club's latest financial accounts. The figures highlight the spending disparity among England's top clubs as they prepare for crucial Champions League quarter-final second legs.
United's players and staff earned £4.88m, up from £4.2m in 2023-24, with total wage costs including social security and pensions reaching £5.88m, up from £5m. In contrast, Arsenal paid their players and staff £9.9m, with total wage costs of £11.3m. United's wage bill was closer to fifth-placed Brighton's £5m.
United's matchday revenue fell sharply from £1.87m to £1.22m, broadcasting revenue dropped by roughly a third, and commercial revenue fell from £5m to £3.44m. However, total revenue rose 16% to £10.74m, largely due to an increase in 'services recharged to other group undertakings'. The club also spent £548,000 on transfers and brought in £167,000 from player sales, recording a pre-tax profit of £510,000.
Manager Marc Skinner's resources will be tested as his injury-hit side attempt to overturn a 3-2 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. Skinner said progressing would rank alongside their 2024 FA Cup triumph. The team will be without striker Elisabeth Terland due to a knock.
In the other quarter-final, Arsenal hold a 3-1 lead over Chelsea, who are boosted by the return of Johanna Rytting Kaneryd but still missing Millie Bright and Aggie-Beever-Jones. Arsenal captain Leah Williamson trained on Tuesday and is expected to be available.
