Manchester United is committed to competing for major trophies despite its significant debt and comparatively lower summer spending, according to chief executive Omar Berrada and manager Michael Carrick. Berrada emphasized the club's need to operate sustainably while pursuing ambitious goals.
"We have shown that with debt, we can not only [be] profitable, but more importantly, win trophies," Berrada stated at a July 30 Fans Forum. "And our aim is to do that again." He added that the club's management must ensure competitiveness within a sustainable financial structure. This includes plans for a new stadium, which is expected to cost over £2 billion. Berrada stressed the importance of discipline and making the right decisions on the pitch to manage debt, fund stadium aspirations, and win trophies.
The club's financial situation has been a point of concern, with reports estimating that the Glazer family's ownership since 2005 has resulted in £852 million paid in interest alone. Latest quarterly figures showed total borrowings of £1.29 billion, including outstanding transfer fees, and an additional £91.92 million was taken on in June through bond refinancing. The upcoming full-year accounts for the period ending June 30 will provide the most current financial picture, following a season without European competition.
Fans have continued to protest the Glazer ownership at matches. However, Berrada maintains that the club can remain competitive. Manager Michael Carrick echoed this sentiment, asserting that the squad is in a stronger position than at the end of last season, when the team finished third after a strong run of 12 wins in 17 games under his charge.
"Being at this club, you've got to strive to win," Carrick said. "That's where we want to be, and we want to try and get to that on a consistent level." He noted that the squad has been strengthened, leading to optimism about the team's potential for the current season.
Carrick believes the current squad is capable of challenging for honors, even with less spending compared to many rivals. Recent additions include players like Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, and Youri Tielemans, alongside the emergence of young forward Shea Lacey.
