Manchester United to suffer £116.4m loss if season is voided

The current football season stands suspended following the coronavirus pandemic spreading havoc across the world.

There have been calls from a number of sources including Rio Ferdinand to declare the season null and void.

As much as our fans would like to think it will deny Liverpool an admittedly well-earned title, it is us who will come off the hardest hit by such a decision.

According to the Daily Mail, United stand to lose around £116.4million in such a scenario. This is taking into account the losses from TV, matchday and retail revenue.

Arch-rivals Manchester City and Liverpool are the other two clubs to cross the £100million mark.

With no idea as to when the situation will normalize, clubs face an uncertain future. With revenue streams inoperational, the stress on clubs to pay salaries will be heavy, especially on the clubs that are currently making a loss.

Although furloughing is seen as an option, the flak drawn by Liverpool by doing so could ward off other clubs from trying the same. The Reds have since reversed their decision.

Losing on the pitch as well!

It is not just off the pitch that we stand to lose out on. United are primed to challenge Chelsea for the fourth spot and already have one foot in the Europa League quarterfinals.

With the Solksjaer rebuild gathering pace, a trophy and a top-four finish would go a long way in our rebuilding process.

Football, like any other industry, will have to get back on its feet once the coast is clear. It makes sense to complete the remainder of the season when it is possible rather than put unrealistic timeframes and call for it to be voided. That will help no one.

A responsible call!

United have also set a benchmark by not following the lead of our rivals in taking up the government’s furlough scheme.

Ed Woodward confirmed the story to the staff in an afternoon email yesterday. The club would continue to pay more than 900 employees as normal. (h/t Daily Mail)

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United have also extended goodwill payments for non-matchday casual workers until June 1. This will help around 950 staff.

The club had already decided to make payments to matchday causal workers for the remaining Premier League matches this season and are also considering further assistance.