Despite their massive revenue, the Glazers have suffered significant losses amounting to hundreds of millions. In a stark comparison, Brentford has managed to generate a larger profit in just two Premier League seasons than Manchester United has in a staggering 31 seasons. This striking contrast highlights the remarkable impact the Bees have had on the top flight since their promotion in 2021.
However, these figures also shed light on the stark contrast in how Manchester United has been managed under the Glazers’ ownership. In Brentford’s latest accounts for the 2022/23 season, income surged to a record-breaking £166.5 million, a significant increase from £17.7 million in the season they ascended from the Championship, and £142.9 million in their inaugural top-flight campaign. Owned by gambling millionaire Matthew Benham, the club reported a profit of £10.9 million last season, with a wage bill of only £98.8 million. This translates to a total pre-tax profit of £39 million over their two seasons in the Premier League.
In contrast, Manchester United’s combined profit over the Premier League’s three-decade history amounts to just £39 million. Data compiled by football finance expert Kieran Maguire reveals that Brentford now rank as the seventh most profitable club throughout the Premier League’s existence. Topping the list are Spurs, boasting total profits of £308 million, followed by Arsenal (£253 million), Burnley (£159 million), and Liverpool (£93 million). Despite generating revenues exceeding £1.2 billion in the same two seasons, Manchester United incurred losses totaling £182.2 million over that period.
Manchester United fans’ discontent with the Glazers revolves around their perceived prioritization of piling debt on the club and generating shareholder dividends rather than enhancing the team’s performance. These concerns have intensified since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. During this period, United have accumulated £5.4 billion in earnings but have reported aggregate losses of £31.4 million, with losses incurred for the past four consecutive seasons.