UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One) | |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
OR | |
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the fiscal year ended | |
OR | |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
OR | |
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
Commission file number
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Chief Executive Officer
E-mail:
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
| Trading Symbol(s) |
| Name of each exchange on which registered |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ☐
Note—Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Accelerated filer ☐ | Non-accelerated filer ☐ | |
Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ☐ |
| Other ☐ |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 ☐ Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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25 | ||
50 | ||
50 | ||
67 | ||
76 | ||
77 | ||
79 | ||
79 | ||
85 | ||
86 | ||
87 | ||
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS | 87 | |
87 | ||
88 | ||
88 | ||
88 | ||
89 | ||
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS | 89 | |
89 | ||
89 | ||
90 | ||
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS | 90 | |
90 | ||
90 | ||
91 | ||
91 | ||
91 | ||
MANCHESTER UNITED PLC GROUP HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||
i
GENERAL INFORMATION
In this annual report on Form 20-F (“Annual Report”), references to “Manchester United,” “the Company,” “our Company,” “our business,” “we,” “us” and “our” are, as the context requires, to Manchester United plc together with its consolidated subsidiaries as a consolidated entity.
Throughout this Form 20-F, we refer to the following football leagues and cups:
| ● | the English Premier League (the “Premier League”); |
| ● | the Emirates FA Cup (the “FA Cup”); |
| ● | the English Football League Cup (the “EFL Cup”); |
| ● | the Union of European Football Associations Champions League (the “Champions League”); |
| ● | the Union of European Football Associations Europa League (the “Europa League”); and |
| ● | the Union of European Football Associations Europa Conference League (the “Europa Conference League”). |
The term “Matchday” refers to all domestic and European football match day activities from Manchester United men’s games at Old Trafford, the Manchester United football stadium, along with receipts for domestic cup (such as the EFL Cup and the FA Cup) games not played at Old Trafford plus receipts from Manchester United women’s home games. Fees for arranging other events at the stadium are also included as Matchday revenue.
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
We report under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”), and IFRS Interpretations Committee interpretations. None of the financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
All references in this Annual Report to (i) “pounds sterling,” “pence,” “p” or “£” are to the currency of the United Kingdom, (ii) “US dollar,” “USD” or “$” are to the currency of the United States, and (iii) “Euro” or “€” are to the currency introduced at the start of the third stage of European economic and monetary union pursuant to the treaty establishing the European Community, as amended.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report contains estimates and forward-looking statements. Our estimates and forward-looking statements are mainly based on our current expectations and estimates of future events and trends, which affect or may affect our businesses and operations. Although we believe that these estimates and forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and are made in light of information currently available to us. Many important factors, in addition to the factors described in this Annual Report, may adversely affect our results as indicated in forward-looking statements. You should read this Annual Report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different and worse from what we expect.
All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible” and similar words are intended to identify estimates and forward-looking statements.
Our estimates and forward-looking statements may be influenced by various factors, including without limitation:
| ● | the effect of adverse economic conditions on our operations; |
| ● | maintaining, enhancing and protecting our brand and reputation in order to expand our follower and sponsorship base; |
| ● | our ability to attract and retain key personnel, including players; |
| ● | our dependence on the performance and popularity of our men’s first team; |
| ● | our ability to renew or replace key commercial agreements on similar or better terms or attract new sponsors; |
| ● | the negotiation, pricing and terms of key media contracts, which are outside of our control; |
| ● | our reliance on European competitions as a source of future income; |
| ● | the impact of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union (the “EU”) on the movement of players or other regulations; |
| ● | our dependence on relationships with certain third parties; |
ii
| ● | our relationship with merchandising, licensing, sponsor and other commercial partners; |
| ● | our exposure to credit related losses in connection with key media, commercial and transfer contracts; |
| ● | our dependence on Matchday revenue; |
| ● | our exposure to competition, both in football and the various commercial markets in which we do business; |
| ● | our ability to protect ourselves from and resolve and remediate cyber-attacks and data breaches on our IT systems; |
| ● | actions taken by other Premier League clubs that are contrary to our interests; |
| ● | our relationship with the various leagues to which we belong and the application of their respective rules and regulations; |
| ● | our ability to execute a digital media strategy that generates the revenue we anticipate; |
| ● | the impact resulting from serious injuries or losses of the playing staff; |
| ● | our ability to maintain, train and build an effective international sales and marketing infrastructure, and manage the risks associated with such an expansion; |
| ● | uncertainty with regard to exchange rates, our tax rate and our cash flow; |
| ● | brand impairments resulting from failures to adequately protect our intellectual property and curbing sales of counterfeit merchandise; |
| ● | our ability to adequately protect against media piracy and identity theft of our followers’ account information; |
| ● | our exposure to the effects of seasonality in our business; |
| ● | maintaining our match attendance at Old Trafford; |
| ● | any natural disasters, terrorist incidents or other events beyond our control, such as a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, that adversely affect our operations; |
| ● | the effect of our indebtedness on our financial health and competitive position; |
| ● | estimates and estimate methodologies used in preparing our consolidated financial statements; and |
| ● | the future trading prices of our Class A ordinary shares and the impact of securities analysts’ reports on these prices. |
Other sections of this Annual Report include additional factors that could adversely impact our business and financial performance, principally “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors.” Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
iii
MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA
This Annual Report contains industry, market, and competitive position data that are based on the industry publications and studies conducted by third parties listed below as well as our own internal estimates and research. These industry publications and third-party studies generally state that the information that they contain has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe that each of these publications and third-party studies is reliable, we have not independently verified the market and industry data obtained from these third-party sources. While we believe our internal research is reliable and the definition of our market and industry are appropriate, neither such research nor these definitions have been verified by any independent source.
References to our “1.1 billion fans and followers” are based on the Survey commissioned by us, conducted by Kantar Media (Media Division of Kantar and division of WPP plc) (“Kantar”) in 2019, and paid for by us. As in the Survey conducted by Kantar, we defined the term “fans” as those individuals who answered survey questions, unprompted, with the answer that Manchester United was their favorite football team in the world and the term “followers” as those individuals who answered survey questions, unprompted, with the answer that Manchester United is a football team that they proactively follow in addition to their favorite football team. For example, we directed Kantar to include in the definition of “follower” a respondent who watched live Manchester United matches, followed highlights coverage or read or talked about Manchester United regularly.
The Survey was conducted during the first six months of 2019 and included over 54,000 respondents across 39 countries. It repeated a similar 2011 survey, also conducted by Kantar, to ensure comparability of approach, methodology and results. The Survey included questions on:
| ● | demographics, age, gender and socio-economic background; |
| ● | viewership of Manchester United matches, social media following and engagement; |
| ● | relationship, awareness and attitudes to commercial partners; and |
| ● | interest in Manchester United products, including merchandise. |
The Survey indicated that Manchester United has 1.1 billion combined fans and followers worldwide, comprised of 467 million fans and 635 million followers (compared to 277 million and 382 million, respectively, in 2011), including:
| ● | a total of 731.7 million fans and followers in the Asia Pacific region (compared to 324.7 million in 2011); |
| ● | a total of 296.1 million fans and followers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (compared to 262.9 million in 2011); and |
| ● | a total of 74 million fans and followers in the Americas (compared to 71.7 million in 2011). |
We expect there to be differences in the level of engagement with our brand between “followers” and “fans”, as defined in the Survey. We have not identified any practical way to measure these differences in consumer behavior and any references to our fans and followers should be viewed in that light.
To calculate the number of fans and followers from the approximately 54,000 responses, Kantar applied assumptions based on third-party data sets covering certain factors including population size, country specific characteristics such as wealth and GDP per capita, and affinity for sports and media penetration. Kantar then extrapolated the results to the rest of the world, representing an extrapolated adult population of 5 billion people. However, while Kantar believes the extrapolation methodology was robust and consistent with consumer research practices, as with all surveys, there are inherent limitations in extrapolating survey results to a larger population than those actually surveyed. As a result of these limitations, our number of followers and fans may be significantly less or significantly more than the extrapolated survey results. Kantar’s extrapolated results also accounted for non-internet users. To do so, Kantar had to make assumptions about the preferences and behaviors of non-internet users in those countries surveyed. For surveyed markets with especially low internet penetration, these assumptions reduced the number of our followers in those countries and there is no guarantee that the assumptions applied are accurate. Survey results also account only for claimed consumer behavior rather than actual consumer behavior and as a result, survey results may not reflect real consumer behavior with respect to football or the consumption of our content and products. The Survey indicates that the information that it contains has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe that the survey results are reliable, we have not independently verified the data contained in the survey.
In addition to the Survey, this Annual Report references the following industry publications and third-party studies:
| ● | television viewership data compiled by futures sports + entertainment—Mediabrands International Limited for the 2022/23 season (the “Futures Data”); and |
| ● | a paper published by AT Kearney, Inc. in 2014 entitled “Winning in the Business of Sports” (“AT Kearney”). |
iv
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The selected consolidated financial data (including statement of profit or loss data, other data and balance sheet data) presented as of and for the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto (our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended 30 June 2020 and 2019 are not included in this Annual Report). Our historical results for any prior period are not necessarily indicative of results expected in any future period.
The selected historical financial information presented in the tables below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes as of 30 June 2023 and 2022 and for the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021 have been included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Unless otherwise specified, all financial information included in this Annual Report has been stated in pounds sterling.
Year ended 30 June | ||||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
Statement of profit or loss data: | (£’000, unless otherwise indicated) | |||||||||
Revenue from contracts with customers (1) | 648,401 | 583,201 | 494,117 | 509,041 | 627,122 | |||||
Analyzed as: | ||||||||||
Commercial revenue | 302,886 | 257,820 | 232,205 | 279,044 | 275,093 | |||||
Broadcasting revenue |
| 209,095 |
| 214,847 |
| 254,815 |
| 140,203 |
| 241,210 |
Matchday revenue |
| 136,420 |
| 110,534 |
| 7,097 |
| 89,794 |
| 110,819 |
Operating expenses — before exceptional items |
| (681,117) |
| (667,828) |
| (538,424) |
| (522,204) |
| (583,337) |
Analyzed as: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Employee benefit expenses |
| (331,374) |
| (384,141) |
| (322,600) |
| (284,029) |
| (332,356) |
Other operating expenses |
| (163,211) |
| (117,911) |
| (76,467) |
| (92,876) |
| (108,977) |
Depreciation and impairment |
| (13,848) |
| (14,314) |
| (14,959) |
| (18,543) |
| (12,850) |
Amortization |
| (172,684) |
| (151,462) |
| (124,398) |
| (126,756) |
| (129,154) |
Operating expenses — exceptional items |
| — |
| (24,692) |
| — |
| — |
| (19,599) |
Total operating expenses |
| (681,117) |
| (692,520) |
| (538,424) |
| (522,204) |
| (602,936) |
Other operating income | 1,112 | — | — | — | — | |||||
Operating (loss)/profit before profit on disposal of intangible assets |
| (36,104) |
| (109,319) |
| (44,307) |
| (13,163) |
| 24,186 |
Profit on disposal of intangible assets |
| 20,424 |
| 21,935 |
| 7,381 |
| 18,384 |
| 25,799 |
Operating (loss)/ profit |
| (11,180) |
| (87,384) |
| (36,926) |
| 5,221 |
| 49,985 |
Finance costs |
| (44,917) |
| (85,915) |
| (36,411) |
| (27,391) |
| (25,470) |
Finance income |
| 23,523 |
| 23,676 |
| 49,310 |
| 1,352 |
| 2,961 |
Net finance (costs)/income |
| (21,394) |
| (62,239) |
| 12,899 |
| (26,039) |
| (22,509) |
(Loss)/profit before income tax |
| (32,574) |
| (149,623) |
| (24,027) |
| (20,818) |
| 27,476 |
Income tax credit/(expense)(2) |
| 3,896 |
| 34,113 |
| (68,189) |
| (2,415) |
| (8,595) |
(Loss)/profit for the year(1)/(2) |
| (28,678) |
| (115,510) |
| (92,216) |
| (23,233) |
| 18,881 |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (thousands) |
| 163,062 |
| 163,001 |
| 162,939 |
| 164,253 |
| 164,526 |
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares (thousands)(3) |
| 163,062 |
| 163,001 |
| 162,939 |
| 164,253 |
| 164,666 |
Basic (loss)/earnings per share (pence) (1)/(2) |
| (17.59) |
| (70.86) |
| (56.60) |
| (14.14) |
| 11.48 |
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (pence) (1)/(2)/(3) |
| (17.59) |
| (70.86) |
| (56.60) |
| (14.14) |
| 11.47 |
| (1) | Revenue for the years ended 30 June 2021 and 30 June 2020 was significantly impacted by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 (“COVID-19”) pandemic and governmental measures to manage the spread of the disease. |
v
For the year ended 30 June 2021, the Old Trafford Stadium, Museum and Stadium Tour operations remained closed to visitors throughout the financial year until part way through the fourth fiscal quarter. In line with government guidelines, and with a variety of safety measures and protocols in place, including reduced fan capacity, Old Trafford Stadium welcomed back 10,000 supporters for the final home match of the season. All matches prior to this were played behind closed doors. Furthermore, the first team’s pre-season tour, scheduled for the start of fiscal 2021, had to be cancelled due to travel restrictions and the Old Trafford Megastore was closed for parts of the year due to government-imposed restrictions. The impact of the above is a reduction in Matchday and Commercial revenues for the year ended 30 June 2021. This was partially offset by increased Broadcasting revenues due to the men’s first team’s participation in the Union of European Football Association (“UEFA”) Champions League, strong performance in both the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League, and the impact of completing the 2019/20 domestic and UEFA competitions at the start of fiscal 2021 as well as a decrease in other operating expenses due to reduced business activity as a result of COVID-19. The Group did not rely on the government furlough scheme available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the above resulted in a loss for the year ended 30 June 2021 and basic and diluted loss per share.
For the year ended 30 June 2020, government-imposed restrictions resulted in the suspension of all Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League matches beginning 13 March 2020. The Premier League and FA Cup resumed in June 2020 and the UEFA Europa League resumed in August 2020. All remaining matches were played behind closed doors. The postponement resulted in the deferral of a number of matches, originally expected to be played in the financial year ended 30 June 2020, as well as the remaining matches being played behind closed doors, the impact of which was to reduce Broadcasting and Matchday revenues for the year ended 30 June 2020. Broadcasting revenue was further impacted by rebates due to broadcasters following disruption of the 2019/20 competitions. Further, Old Trafford and its flagship Megastore operations as well as Museum, Stadium Tour and Red Café operations were closed in mid-March 2020. The Old Trafford Megastore re-opened during June 2020 with a variety of safety measures in place in line with Government guidance. The stadium and Museum and Stadium Tour operations remained closed. This has been partially offset by a decrease in other operating expenses due to reduced business activity as a result of COVID-19. The Group did not rely on the government furlough scheme available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the above resulted in a loss for the year ended 30 June 2020 and basic and diluted loss per share.
vi
Year ended 30 June | ||||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
Other data: | (£’000, unless otherwise indicated) | |||||||||
Commercial revenue | 302,886 | 257,820 | 232,205 | 279,044 | 275,093 | |||||
Analyzed as: |
|
| ||||||||
Sponsorship revenue | 189,496 |
| 147,881 |
| 140,209 |
| 182,709 |
| 173,010 | |
Retail, merchandising, apparel & products licensing revenue | 113,390 |
| 109,939 |
| 91,996 |
| 96,335 |
| 102,083 | |
|
| |||||||||
Dividends declared per share ($) | — |
| 0.27 |
| 0.09 |
| 0.18 |
| 0.18 | |
Dividends declared per share (£ equivalent) | — | 0.21 | 0.07 |
| 0.14 |
| 0.14 | |||
As of 30 June | ||||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
Balance sheet data: | (£’000) | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 76,019 | 121,223 | 110,658 | 51,539 | 307,637 | |||||
Total assets |
| 1,317,944 |
| 1,293,665 | 1,260,310 |
| 1,383,466 |
| 1,496,525 | |
Total liabilities |
| 1,213,994 |
| 1,166,157 | 987,798 |
| 1,032,234 |
| 1,081,323 | |
Total equity |
| 103,950 |
| 127,508 | 272,512 |
| 351,232 |
| 415,202 | |
We define Adjusted EBITDA as (loss)/profit for the year before depreciation and impairment, amortization, profit on disposal of intangible assets, exceptional items, net finance costs/income, and tax. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and not a uniformly or legally defined financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is not a substitute for IFRS measures in assessing our overall financial performance. Because Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement determined in accordance with IFRS, and is to varying calculations, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is included in this Annual Report because it is a measure of our operating performance and we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies in industries similar to ours. We also believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to our management and investors as a measure of comparative operating performance from year to year and among companies as it is reflective of changes in pricing decisions, cost controls and other factors that affect operating performance, and it removes the effect of our asset base (primarily depreciation, impairment and amortization), material volatile items (primarily profit on disposal of our intangible assets and exceptional items), capital structure (primarily finance costs/income), and items outside the control of our management (primarily taxes).
Our management also uses Adjusted EBITDA for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget and financial projections. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for an analysis of our results as reported under IFRS as issued by the IASB.
vii
The following is a reconciliation of (loss)/profit for the years presented to Adjusted EBITDA:
| Year ended 30 June | |||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
(£’000) | ||||||||||
(Loss)/profit for the year | (28,678) |
| (115,510) |
| (92,216) |
| (23,233) |
| 18,881 | |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Tax (credit)/expense | (3,896) |
| (34,113) |
| 68,189 |
| 2,415 |
| 8,595 | |
Net finance costs/(income) | 21,394 |
| 62,239 |
| (12,899) |
| 26,039 |
| 22,509 | |
Profit on disposal of intangible assets | (20,424) |
| (21,935) |
| (7,381) |
| (18,384) |
| (25,799) | |
Exceptional items(a) | — |
| 24,692 |
| — |
| — |
| 19,599 | |
Amortization | 172,684 |
| 151,462 |
| 124,398 |
| 126,756 |
| 129,154 | |
Depreciation and impairment | 13,848 |
| 14,314 |
| 14,959 |
| 18,543 |
| 12,850 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | 154,928 |
| 81,149 |
| 95,050 |
| 132,136 |
| 185,789 | |
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |||||
2022/23 | 2021/22 | 2020/21 | 2019/20 | 2019/20 | 2018/19 | |||||||
Home games played(4): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premier League |
| 19 |
| 19 |
| 19 |
| 3 |
| 16 |
| 19 |
European Games |
| 6 |
| 4 |
| 7 |
| 1 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
Domestic Cups |
| 8 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| — |
| 4 |
| 2 |
Away games played(4): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premier League |
| 19 |
| 19 |
| 19 |
| 3 |
| 16 |
| 19 |
European Games |
| 6 |
| 4 |
| 8 |
| 2 |
| 5 |
| 5 |
Domestic Cups |
| 4 |
| — |
| 4 |
| 1 |
| 6 |
| 3 |
Total games played(4): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premier League |
| 38 |
| 38 |
| 38 |
| 6 |
| 32 |
| 38 |
European Games |
| 12 |
| 8 |
| 15 |
| 3 |
| 9 |
| 10 |
Domestic Cups |
| 12 |
| 3 |
| 8 |
| 1 |
| 10 |
| 5 |
| (a) | See Notes 2.7 and 6 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for more information. |
| (4) | As a direct consequence of COVID-19, and the resulting government-imposed restrictions, all Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League matches were suspended beginning 13 March 2020. The Premier League and FA Cup resumed in June 2020 and completed in July 2020 and August 2020 respectively. The UEFA Europa League resumed and completed in August 2020. The temporary postponement of all competitions resulted in four home and six away matches relating to 2019/20 competitions being played at the start of the 2020/21 financial year. This includes three home and three away Premier League matches, the FA Cup semi-final, one Europa League home match and the Europa League single-leg quarter-final and semi-final. From June 2020 until mid-May 2021, all matches were played behind closed doors. The final home match of the 2020/21 season and the UEFA Europa League final were played with fans in attendance at a reduced capacity. All matches in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 season operated at full capacity. |
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PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. | RESERVED |
B. | CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS |
Not applicable.
C. | REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
Not applicable.
D. | RISK FACTORS |
Investment in our Class A ordinary shares involves a high degree of risk. We expect to be exposed to some or all of the risks described below in our future operations. Any of the risk factors described below, as well as additional risks of which we are not currently aware, could affect our business operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flow and prospects and cause the value of our shares to decline. Moreover, if and to the extent that any of the risks described below materialize, they may occur in combination with other risks which would compound the adverse effect of such risks on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flow and prospects.
Risks Related to Our Business
If we are unable to maintain and enhance our brand and reputation, particularly in new markets, or if events occur that damage our brand and reputation, our ability to expand our follower base, sponsors, and commercial partners or to sell significant quantities of our products may be impaired.
The success of our business depends on the value and strength of our brand and reputation. Our brand and reputation are also integral to the implementation of our strategies for expanding our follower base, sponsors and commercial partners. To be successful in the future we believe we must preserve, grow and leverage the value of our brand across all of our revenue streams. For instance, we have in the past experienced, and we expect that in the future we will continue to receive, a high degree of media coverage. Unfavorable publicity regarding our men’s first team’s performance in league and cup competitions or their behavior off the field, our ability to attract and retain certain players and coaching staff or actions by or changes in our ownership, could negatively affect our brand and reputation. Failure to respond effectively to negative publicity could also further erode our brand and reputation. In addition, events in the football industry, even if unrelated to us, may negatively affect our brand or reputation. As a result, the size, engagement and loyalty of our follower base and the demand for our products may decline. Damage to our brand or reputation or loss of our followers’ commitment for any of these reasons could impair our ability to expand our follower base, sponsors and commercial partners or our ability to sell significant quantities of our products, which would result in decreased revenue across our revenue streams and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our brand and reputation.
In addition, maintaining and enhancing our brand and reputation may require us to make substantial investments. We cannot assure you that such investments will be successful. Failure to successfully maintain and enhance the Manchester United brand or our reputation or excessive or unsuccessful expenses in connection with this effort could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
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Our business is dependent upon our ability to attract and retain key personnel, including players.
We are highly dependent on members of our management, coaching staff and our players. Competition for talented players and staff is, and will continue to be, intense. Our ability to attract and retain the highest quality players for our men’s first team and youth academy, as well as coaching staff, is critical to our men’s first team’s success in league and cup competitions, increasing popularity and, consequently, critical to our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. Our success and many achievements over the last twenty years does not necessarily mean that we will continue to be successful in the future, whether as a result of changes in player personnel, coaching staff or otherwise. A downturn in the performance of our men’s first team could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain coaches and players. Further, in 2020, the United Kingdom formally left the EU and as a result we are no longer able to rely on European regulations relating to the movement of players between the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area (“EEA”). See “—The departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union may adversely affect our operations and financial results.” In addition, our popularity in certain countries or regions may depend, at least in part, on fielding certain players from those countries or regions. While we enter into employment contracts with each of our key personnel with the aim of securing their services for the term of the contract, the retention of their services for the full term of the contract cannot be guaranteed due to possible contract disputes or approaches by other clubs. Our failure to attract and retain key personnel could have a negative impact on our ability to effectively manage and grow our business.
We are dependent upon the performance and popularity of our men’s first team.
Our revenue streams are driven by the performance and popularity of our men’s first team. Significant sources of our revenue are the result of historically strong performances in English domestic and European competitions, specifically the Premier League, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League. Our revenue varies significantly depending on our men’s first team’s participation and performance in these competitions. Our men’s first team’s performance can affect all four of our revenue streams:
| ● | sponsorship revenue through sponsorship relationships; |
| ● | retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing revenue through product sales; |
| ● | Broadcasting revenue through the frequency of appearances, performance based share of league broadcasting revenue, Champions League/Europa League/Europa Conference League distributions and MUTV distribution through linear and digital platforms; and |
| ● | Matchday revenue through ticket sales. |
Our men’s first team currently plays in the Premier League, the top football league in England. Our performance in the Premier League directly affects, and a weak performance in the Premier League could adversely affect, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. For example, our revenue from the sale of products, media rights, tickets and hospitality would fall considerably if our men’s first team were relegated from, or otherwise ceased to play in, the Premier League, the Champions League, the Europa League or the Europa Conference League.
We cannot ensure that our men’s first team will be successful in the Premier League or in the other leagues and tournaments in which it plays. Relegation from the Premier League or a general decline in the success of our men’s first team, particularly in consecutive seasons, would negatively affect our ability to attract or retain talented players and coaching staff, as well as supporters, sponsors and other commercial partners, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
It may not be possible to renew or replace key commercial agreements on similar or better terms, or attract new sponsors.
Our Commercial revenue for each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021 represented 46.7%, 44.2% and 47.0% of our total revenue, respectively. The substantial majority of our Commercial revenue is generated from commercial agreements with our sponsors, and these agreements have finite terms. When these contracts expire, we may not be able to renew or replace them with contracts on similar or better terms or at all. Our most important commercial contracts include contracts with global, regional and supplier sponsors representing industries including sportswear, remote connectivity software, blockchain, spirits, automotive, Wi-Fi, betting and kitchen and bathroom fixtures and generators, which typically have contract terms of two to five years.
If we fail to renew or replace these key commercial agreements on similar or better terms, we could experience a material reduction in our Commercial revenue. Such a reduction could have a material adverse effect on our overall revenue and our ability to continue to compete with the top football clubs in England and Europe.
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As part of our business plan, we intend to continue to grow our commercial portfolio by developing and expanding our product categorized approach, which will include partnering with additional sponsors. We may not be able to successfully execute our business plan in promoting our brand to attract new sponsors. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in implementing our business plan or that our Commercial revenue will continue to grow at the same rate as it has in the past or at all. Any of these events could negatively affect our ability to achieve our development and commercialization goals, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
The underlying probability of being unable to renew or replace key contracts on similar or more favorable terms, or to partner with additional sponsors, has increased as economic pressures are felt across the global economy. As a result, there may be a shift in focus for the majority of companies in the short- to medium-term, as these companies reduce perceived “excess” spend on marketing in favor of protecting the operational and financial stability of the entity.
Negotiation, pricing and terms of key media contracts are outside of our control and those contracts may change in the future.
For each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, 83.4%, 65.3% and 67.5% of our Broadcasting revenue, respectively, was generated from the media rights for Premier League matches, and 13.7%, 31.4% and 29.0% of our Broadcasting revenue, respectively, was generated from the media rights for UEFA matches. Contracts for these media rights and certain other revenue for those competitions (both domestically and internationally) are negotiated collectively by the Premier League and UEFA respectively. We are not a party to the contracts negotiated by the Premier League and UEFA. Further, we do not participate in and therefore do not have any direct influence on the outcome of contract negotiations. As a result, we may be subject to media rights contracts with media distributors with whom we may not otherwise contract or media rights contracts that are not as favorable to us as we might otherwise be able to negotiate individually with media distributors. Furthermore, the limited number of media distributors bidding for Premier League and UEFA club competition media rights may result in reduced prices paid for those rights and, as a result, a decline in revenue received from media contracts.
In addition, although an agreement has been reached for the sale of Premier League broadcasting rights through the end of the 2024/25 football season and for the sale of UEFA club competition broadcasting rights through the end of the 2023/24 football season, future agreements may not maintain our current level of Broadcasting revenue.
Future intervention by the European Commission (“EC”), the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”), UK authorities, or other competent authorities and courts having jurisdiction may also have a negative effect on our revenue from media rights in the EEA. Enforcement of competition laws and changes to copyright regimes may require changes to sales models that could negatively affect the amount which copyright holders, such as the Premier League, are able to derive from the exploitation of rights within the EU. As a result, our Broadcasting revenue from the sale of those rights could decrease.
It is likely that there will be future regulatory intervention by the EC relating to the grant of exclusive licenses of content on a territorial basis within the EEA insofar as they prohibit or limit the cross-border provision by satellite or internet transmission of retail pay-TV services in response to unsolicited demand (so-called “passive sales”). In the cases of the Premier League & others vs. QC Leisure & Others / Karen Murphy vs. Media Protection Services, the CJEU ruled that EU free movement rules prevented enforcement of national laws to prevent importation and sale of decoding devices marketed in other Member States. The CJEU held further that EU competition rules prohibit any agreement designed to guarantee absolute territorial exclusivity by restricting passive sales within the EU (i.e. by obliging broadcasters not to meet unsolicited demand for decoding devices enabling access to the right holder’s protected subject-matter with a view to their use outside the territory covered by the license agreement).
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Subsequently, in January 2014 the EC launched a competition investigation into exclusive licensing arrangements between US Studios and various platforms in Europe (the major platform in each of the five largest Member States). In July 2015, the EC issued a Statement of Objections in Case COMP/40023 – Cross-border access to pay-TV setting out its preliminary view that certain provisions in the license agreements between the studios and Sky UK would eliminate cross-border competition and constitute a violation of EU competition rules. According to the EC, these provisions require Sky UK to block or limit access to films through geo-blocking its online services or through its satellite pay-TV services to consumers outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland (and thus prevent Sky UK from responding to passive sales requests). The EC was carrying out parallel investigations into cross-border access to pay-TV services in France, Italy, Germany and Spain. Studios and platforms argue that EU law does not preclude enforcement of their copyright and that the restrictions are necessary to ensure adequate financing of content creation because content value varies considerably across Member States.
On 22 April 2016, the EC announced that Paramount had offered to settle the case by offering a series of commitments, including an undertaking not to enter into pay-TV agreements that prohibit their licensees from responding to passive sales requests. The commitments cover both linear pay-TV services and (when covered by the broadcaster’s licenses) subscription video-on-demand services. The EC accepted these commitments on 27 July 2016. On 8 December 2016, the French TV broadcaster Groupe Canal + brought an action seeking annulment of the EC’s decision to accept the commitments. On 12 December 2018, the EU General Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the EC decision as lawful in identifying competition concerns and finding the commitments suitable to resolve them. Shortly before and on the same and following day of the General Court’s judgment, Disney, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. and Sky also offered commitments, which the EC accepted on 7 March 2019 and closed the investigation. The commitments foresee that the restrictive clauses will not be applied nor re-introduced in the film licensing contracts, without prejudice to the studios’ rights under copyright law or the Portability Regulation.
On 20 December 2020, the CJEU overturned the General Court’s judgment of 12 December 2018; the CJEU found that the General Court had erred in law in its assessment of the proportionality of the adverse effects on the interests of third parties, such as Canal +, resulting from the EC acceptance of the commitments offered by Paramount. In particular, the CJEU considered that the General Court could not refer such contracting partners to the national courts in order to have their contractual rights enforced; national courts could not decide contrary to an EC decision by declaring the relevant clauses compatible or requiring an operator to breach its commitments which have been made binding by that decision. On 31 March 2021 the EC withdraw its decision of 7 March 2019 accepting the commitments by Sky and four Hollywood studios and closed the proceedings in the case. While these investigations had targeted film content, any future decision could be applicable to any pay-TV content, including sport.
In addition to this regulatory action, the EU as part of its Digital Single Market (“DSM”) strategy adopted on 8 June 2017 the Portability Regulation, which is designed to enable consumers to access their content services while travelling across Europe. The Portability Regulation became applicable in the EU on 1 April 20. The EU has also adopted a regulation on unjustified geo-blocking, which became applicable on 3 December 2018. Copyright protected content is excluded but the EC must review and report on the exclusion.
As part of the DSM initiative, the EC has also sought to modernize EU copyright rules to allow for wider access to online content across the EU, including by extending rights clearance mechanisms in the Satellite and Cable Directive. The EC published its proposal for a Regulation on Online Transmissions on 14 September 2016, which in particular contains the proposal that the country of origin principle be extended to online broadcast services. In practice, this would mean that licenses for simulcast and catch-up rights, for example, for the United Kingdom would be construed as covering the entire EEA (as long as the United Kingdom remains subject to EU law). The European Parliament and the Council subsequently turned the draft Regulation on Online Transmissions into a Directive, including substantial amendments limiting the country of origin principle. As a result, the country of origin principle will apply to radio broadcasts, but not to television broadcasts of sports events. In parallel, the revised Copyright Directive has inter alia strengthened the position of rights owners by making online platforms responsible for taking certain actions against user-uploaded content which violates copyright. Both Directives were adopted in April 2019. On 15 February 2023, the EC referred 11 Member States to the CJEU for failing to implement the Directives into national law including Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Poland and Portugal.
In addition, also as part of the DSM initiative, the European Parliament and the Council adopted on 6 November 2018, a revision of the Audiovisual Media Services. This Directive applies to traditional TV broadcasters, with the revision inter alia extending the scope for some provisions to also cover video-sharing platforms. The revision has not affected Article 14 on the possibility of national measures ensuring the non-exclusive broadcast of events of major importance for society.
Finally, as part the DSM initiative and following stakeholder consultations, on 15 December 2020, the EC proposed two legislative initiatives to upgrade rules governing digital services in the EU: the Digital Services Act (“DSA”) and the Digital Markets Act
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(“DMA”). The DSA seeks to update the rules concerning e-commerce, for instance, by providing for enforceable obligations and increased accountability rules for all digital services that connect consumers to goods, services, or content, in relation to, for example, users’ safety and trust, harmful/illegal online content, content moderation and removal, and advertisement targeting. These rules will be enforced by designated national competent authorities. The DMA, which will be enforced by the EC, seeks to address market imbalances associated with large online platforms acting as gatekeepers, defined under certain criteria (e.g., Facebook, Google, Apple or Amazon). To this end, the DMA foresees obligations on their daily operations, for example, by enabling transparency for advertisers, ensuring portability of data to end users and business users of the online platforms, including the provision of continuous and real time access to such data, ensuring interoperability with competing third-party software in certain cases, and prohibiting gatekeepers to block users from un-installing software or apps. The DMA entered into force on 1 November 2022 and became applicable on 2 May 2023. The EC will adopt the decisions designating gatekeepers and their covered services at the beginning of September 2023. The gatekeepers will then have 6 months to comply with the DMA (ETA: March 2023). The DSA entered into force on 16 November 2022 and the provisions will apply to all in-scope providers by 17 February 2024. The United Kingdom has introduced a new regulatory regime for the digital sector analogous to the DMA, which was enacted by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill published on 25 April 2023. The regime will apply to providers of digital services designated as having ‘strategic market status’. The Bill could come into force in the autumn of 2023, at the earliest, which would mean that conduct requirements would kick in in Q2 2024.
European competitions cannot be relied upon as a source of income.
Qualification for the Champions League is largely dependent upon our men’s first team’s performance in the Premier League and, in some circumstances, the Champions League or Europa League in the previous season. Qualification for the Champions League cannot, therefore, be guaranteed. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would result in a material reduction in revenue for each season in which our men’s first team did not participate. To help mitigate this impact the majority of playing contracts for our men’s first team include step-ups in remuneration which are contingent on participation in the group stage of the Champions League. Inclusive of Broadcasting revenue, prize money and Matchday revenue, our combined Broadcasting and Matchday revenue related to European competitions was £37.5 million, £75.0 million and £73.8 million for each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As a result of our men’s first team performance during the 2022/23 season, our men’s first team will participate in the 2023/24 Champions League.
In addition, our participation in the Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League may be influenced by other factors beyond our control. For example, the number of places in each European competition available to the clubs of each national football association in Europe can vary from year to year based on a ranking system. If the performance of English clubs in Europe declines, the number of places in each European competition available to English clubs may decline and it may be more difficult for our men’s first team to qualify for European competition in future seasons. Further, the rules governing qualification for European competitions (whether at the European or national level) may change and make it more difficult for our men’s first team to qualify for European competition in future seasons.
We are a founder member of the European Club Association (“ECA”), an independent organization set up to work with football governing bodies to protect and promote the interests of football clubs at the European level. In addition, UEFA Club Competitions SA (“UCC SA”) was established by UEFA to advise and make recommendations to UEFA on strategic business matters and opportunities concerning club competitions. Half of the administration board is appointed by UEFA and the other half by the ECA.
The current format of the Champions League is structured so that the top four clubs from the four top-ranked UEFA national associations (of which England is currently one) qualify automatically for the group stage of the Champions League. With respect to the financial distribution methodology, there is a four pillar system being starting fee, performance fees, market pool and individual club coefficient. The individual club coefficient is determined by reference to past performance in UEFA club competitions over a ten-year period with additional points for historical winners of UEFA club competitions.
In addition to the Champions League, UEFA host the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Europa Conference League. The UEFA Europa Conference League (“Europa Conference League”), was introduced in 2021/22 and all three competitions are currently held with 32 teams competing. The winner of the Europa Conference League is entitled to enter the following season’s UEFA Europa League group stage, while the winner of the Europa League is entitled to enter the following season’s UEFA Champions League. The top four clubs from the four top-ranked UEFA national associations automatically qualify for the Champions League group stage. The team finishing in fifth position in the Premier League and the FA Cup winners qualify for the Europa League group stage, unless the FA Cup winners finish in positions one to five in the Premier League, in which case the team finishing in sixth position also qualifies for the Europa League group stage. The EFL Cup winners qualify for the Europa Conference League play-offs unless they have
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already qualified for the Champions League or Europa League, in which case the team finishing in sixth position (or seventh position if the sixth has already qualified for the Champions League or Europa League) take their place.
In May 2022, UEFA announced a new format for the UEFA Champions League which will begin in the 2024/25 season. This format sees the introduction of a new league-style format, the number of participating teams increased from 32 to 36 and the number of Group Stage matches increased from 6 to 8. The new format provides scope for one more place for an English club in the competition dependent on the collective performance of clubs from that nation in the previous season. Two places in the competition will be allocated in this manner, one to each nation that performed best collectively in the preceding season. The new format will also see a change to the financial distribution methodology. Whilst exact details are yet to be confirmed, this will be a three pillar system being starting fee, performance fee and a new value fee which is a combination of market pool and club coefficient. The club coefficient will now be based on a five-year period, compared to a ten-year period under the current methodology.
Moreover, because of the prestige associated with participating in the European competitions, particularly the Champions League, failure to qualify for any European competition could negatively affect our ability to attract and retain talented players and coaching staff, as well as supporters, sponsors and other commercial partners. On 21 July 2023, we signed an extension to our agreement with adidas under which a £10 million deduction from the minimum annual guarantee is made for each season of non-Champions League qualification from 2025/26 to 2034/35. Any one or more of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation, financial condition and cash flow.
Our business depends in part on relationships with certain third parties.
We consider the development of our commercial assets to be central to our ongoing business plan and a driver of future growth. For example, our current contract with adidas that began with the 2015/16 season provides them with certain global technical sponsorship and dual-branded licensing rights. While we expect to be able to continue to execute our business plan in the future with the support of adidas, we remain subject to these contractual provisions and our business plan could be negatively impacted by non-compliance or poor execution of our strategy by adidas. Further, any interruption in our ability to obtain the services of adidas or other third parties or deterioration in their performance could negatively impact this portion of our operations. Furthermore, if our arrangement with adidas is terminated or modified against our interest, we may not be able to find alternative solutions for this portion of our business on a timely basis or on terms favorable to us or at all.
In the future, we may enter into additional arrangements permitting third parties to use our brand and trademarks. The steps we take to carefully select our partners may not lead to successful arrangements. Our partners may fail to fulfill their obligations under their agreements or have interests that differ from or conflict with our own. For example, we are dependent on our sponsors and commercial partners to effectively implement quality controls over products using our brand and/or trademarks. The inability of such sponsors and commercial partners to meet our quality standards could negatively affect consumer confidence in the quality and value of our brand, which could result in lower product sales. Any one or more of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation, financial condition and cash flow.
We are exposed to credit related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to Premier League and UEFA media contracts as well as our key commercial and transfer contracts.
We derive the substantial majority of our Broadcasting revenue from media contracts negotiated by the Premier League and UEFA with media distributors, and although the Premier League obtains guarantees to support certain of its media contracts, typically in the form of letters of credit issued by commercial banks, it remains our single largest credit exposure. We derive our Commercial and sponsorship revenue from certain corporate sponsors, including global, regional and supplier sponsors (which includes new businesses operating in emerging markets) in respect of which we may manage our credit risk by seeking advance payments, installments and/or bank guarantees where appropriate. The substantial majority of this revenue is derived from a limited number of sources. We are also exposed to other football clubs globally for the payment of transfer fees on players. Depending on the transaction, some of these fees are paid to us in installments. We try to manage our credit risk with respect to those clubs by requiring payments in advance or, in the case of payments on installment, requiring bank guarantees on such payments in certain circumstances. However, we cannot ensure these efforts will eliminate our credit exposure to other clubs. A change in credit quality at one of the media broadcasters for the Premier League or UEFA, one of our sponsors or a club to whom we have sold a player can increase the risk that such counterparty is unable or unwilling to pay amounts owed to us. The failure of a major television broadcaster for the Premier League or UEFA club competitions to pay outstanding amounts owed to its respective league or the failure of one of our key sponsors or a club to pay outstanding amounts owed to us could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
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Matchday revenue from our supporters is a significant portion of overall revenue.
A significant amount of our revenue derives from ticket sales and other Matchday revenue for our men’s first team matches at Old Trafford and our share of gate receipts from domestic cup matches. In particular, the revenue generated from ticket sales and other Matchday revenue at Old Trafford will be highly dependent on the continued attendance at matches of our individual and corporate supporters as well as the number of home matches we play each season. During each of the 2022/23, 2021/22 and 2020/21 seasons, we played 33, 26 and 34 home matches respectively and our Matchday revenue was £136.4 million, £110.5 million and £7.1 million for the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Matchday revenue for the year ended 30 June 2021 was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with 33 of our 34 home matches being played behind closed doors. Fans were in attendance for the final home match of the season at a reduced capacity in line with government guidelines. All matches during the years ended 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022 were played with Old Trafford operating at full capacity. Match attendance is influenced by a number of factors, some of which are partly or wholly outside of our control. These factors include the success of our men’s first team, broadcasting coverage and general economic conditions in the United Kingdom, which affect personal disposable income and corporate marketing and hospitality budgets. A reduction in Matchday attendance could have a material adverse effect on our Matchday revenue and our overall business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, both within Europe and internationally, and increased competition could cause our profitability to decline.
We face competition from other football clubs in England and Europe. In the Premier League, investment from wealthy team owners has led to teams with deep financial backing that are able to acquire top players and coaching staff, which could result in improved performance from those teams in domestic and European competitions. As the Premier League continues to grow in popularity, the interest of wealthy potential owners may increase, leading to additional clubs substantially improving their financial position. Competition from European clubs also remains strong. Despite the adoption of the UEFA Financial Sustainability regulations, a set of financial monitoring rules on clubs participating in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League and the Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules, a similar set of rules monitoring Premier League clubs, European and Premier League football clubs are spending substantial sums on transfer fees and player salaries. Competition from inside and outside the Premier League has led to higher salaries for our players as well as increased competition on the field. The increase in competition could result in our men’s first team finishing lower in the Premier League than we have in the past and jeopardizing our qualification for or results in European competitions. Competition within England could also cause our men’s first team to fail to advance in the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
In addition, from a commercial perspective, we actively compete across many different industries and within many different markets. We believe our primary sources of competition, both in Europe and internationally, include, but are not limited to:
| ● | other businesses seeking corporate sponsorships and commercial partners such as sports teams, other entertainment events and television and digital media outlets; |
| ● | providers of sports apparel and equipment seeking retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing opportunities; |
| ● | digital content providers seeking consumer attention and leisure time, advertiser income and consumer e-commerce activity; |
| ● | other types of television programming seeking access to broadcasters and advertiser income; and |
| ● | alternative forms of corporate hospitality and live entertainment for the sale of Matchday tickets such as other live sports events, concerts, festivals, theater and similar events. |
All of the above forms of competition could have a material adverse effect on any of our four revenue streams and our overall business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
A cyber-attack on, or disruption to, our IT systems or other systems utilized in our operations could compromise our operations, adversely impact our reputation and subject us to liability.
As a high-profile brand we are susceptible to the risk of a cyber-attack on our IT systems or other third-party systems utilized in our operations. We experience cyber-attacks and other security incidents of varying degrees from time to time. For example, we experienced such an attack in or about November 2020, which resulted in certain non-consumer data being compromised and the disruption of our enterprise systems and applications, prior to restoration of secure computing operations. In response, we have implemented controls and taken other preventative actions to strengthen our systems against such attacks. However, we cannot assure you that such measures will provide absolute security, that we will be able to react in a timely manner, or that our remediation efforts following any past or future attacks will be successful. A cyber-attack could disable the information technology systems we use or depend on to operate our business and give rise to the loss of significant amounts of personal data or other sensitive information,
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potentially subjecting us to criminal or civil sanctions or other liability. See “—We are subject to governmental regulation and other legal obligations related to privacy, data protection, data security and safeguarding. Our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business.” Similarly, any disruption to or failures in our IT systems or other third-party systems utilized in our operations could have an adverse impact on our ability to operate our business and lead to reputational damage. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. Furthermore, as attempted attacks continue to evolve in scope and sophistication, we may incur significant costs in modifying or enhancing our IT security systems and processes in an attempt to defend against such attacks. There can be no assurance, however, that any security systems or processes we, or third party providers on which we rely, currently have in place or that may be implemented in the future will be successful in preventing or mitigating the harm from such attacks.
We are subject to special rules and regulations regarding insolvency and bankruptcy.
We are subject to, among other things, special insolvency or bankruptcy-related rules of the Premier League and the Football Association (the “FA”). Those rules empower the Premier League board to direct certain payments otherwise due to us to the FA and its members, associate members and affiliates, certain other English football leagues and certain other entities if it is reasonably satisfied that we have failed to pay certain creditors including other football clubs, the Premier League and the Football League.
If we experience financial difficulty, we could also face sanctions under the Premier League rules, including suspension from the Premier League, European competitions, the FA Cup and certain other competitions, the deduction of league points from us in the Premier League or Football League and loss of control of player registrations. For example, the Premier League could prevent us from playing, thereby cutting off our income from ticket sales and putting many of our other sources of revenue at risk. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation, financial condition, or cash flow, as well as our ability to meet our financial obligations.
Premier League voting rules may allow other clubs to take action contrary to our interests.
The Premier League is governed by its 20 club shareholders with most rule changes requiring the support of a minimum of 14 of the clubs. This allows a minority of clubs to block changes they view as unfavorable to their interests. In addition, it allows a concerted majority of the clubs to pass rules that may be disadvantageous to the remaining six clubs. Our interests may not always align with the majority of clubs and it may be difficult for us to effect changes that are advantageous to us. At the same time, it is possible that other clubs may take action that we view as contrary to our interests. If the Premier League clubs pass rules that limit our ability to operate our business as we have planned or otherwise affect the payments made to us, we may be unable to achieve our goals and strategies or increase our revenue.
Our digital media strategy may not generate the revenue we anticipate.
We maintain contact with, and provide entertainment to, our global follower base through a number of digital and other media channels, including the internet, mobile services and applications, and social media. While we have attracted a significant number of followers to our digital media assets, including our website and mobile application, the associated future revenue and income potential is uncertain. You should consider our business and prospects in light of the challenges, risks and difficulties we may encounter in this new and rapidly evolving market, including:
| ● | our ability to retain our current global follower base, build our follower base and increase engagement with our followers through our digital media assets, particularly those on third-party digital media platforms; |
| ● | our ability to enhance the content offered through our digital media assets and increase our subscriber base; |
| ● | our ability to effectively generate revenue from interaction with our followers through our digital media assets; |
| ● | our ability to attract new sponsors and advertisers, retain existing sponsors and advertisers and demonstrate that our digital media assets will deliver value to them; |
| ● | our ability to develop our digital media assets in a cost-effective manner and operate our digital media services profitably and securely; |
| ● | our ability to identify and capitalize on new digital media business opportunities; and |
| ● | our ability to compete with other sports and other media for users’ time. |
In addition, as we expand our digital and other media channels, including mobile services, applications, and social media, revenue from our other business sectors may decrease, including our Broadcasting revenue. As a consequence of our utilization of third-party media platforms, particularly social media, we are subject to third-party algorithms which we do not have control over. A change to these algorithms or the business strategy and operating models of these platforms may have a knock-on impact on our business.
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Moreover, the increase in subscriber base in some of these digital and other media channels may limit the growth of the subscriber base and popularity of other channels. Further, governmental or other regulatory actions against social media platforms could result in a loss of some or all of our social media followers on such platform. Failure to successfully address these risks and difficulties could affect our overall business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, liquidity and prospects.
Serious injuries to or losses of playing staff may affect our performance, and therefore our results of operations and financial condition.
Injuries to members of the playing staff, particularly if career-threatening or career-ending, could have a detrimental effect on our business. Such injuries could have a negative effect upon our men’s first team’s performance and may also result in a loss of the income that would otherwise have resulted from a transfer of that player’s registration. In addition, depending on the circumstances, we may write down the carrying value of a player on our balance sheet and record an impairment charge in our operating expenses to reflect any losses resulting from career-threatening or career-ending injuries to that player. Our strategy is to maintain a squad of men’s first team players sufficient to mitigate the risk of player injuries. However, this strategy may not be sufficient to mitigate all financial losses in the event of an injury, and as a result such injury may affect the performance of our men’s first team, and therefore our business, results of operations financial condition and cash flow.
Inability to renew our insurance policies could expose us to significant losses.
We insure against the accidental death (including death by natural causes) or permanent disablement (resulting in an inability to continue their playing career with Manchester United and/or any other club in one of the top five European leagues) of certain members of our men’s first team, although typically not at such player’s full market value. Such insurance also excludes incidents which occur while playing matches or training. We also have catastrophe coverage in the event of an incident (such as travel or terrorist related incidents) that results in the accidental death or permanent disablement of multiple members of our men’s first team playing squad. We also carry non-player related insurance typical for our business (including combined liability, property damage, business interruption, terrorism and directors and officers insurance). When any of our insurance policies expire, it may not be possible to renew them on the same terms, or at all. In such circumstances, some of our business activities and/or assets may be uninsured. If any of these uninsured business activities or assets were to suffer damage, we could suffer a financial loss. Our most valuable tangible asset is the Old Trafford stadium. An inability to renew insurance policies covering our players, Old Trafford, the Carrington training ground (“Carrington”) or other valuable assets could expose us to significant losses.
In addition to the above, for the period ending 31 December 2026, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA”) has confirmed that it will provide insurance coverage for loss of wages (temporary disablement), subject to a maximum period of 365 days (excluding the first 28 days) and a cap of €7.5 million per claim per player, paid by the club to our players subsequent to an injury incurred while playing for their senior national team in a match played under the FIFA international match calendar. The maximum daily compensation is limited to €20,548 per claim. The maximum capacity (“aggregate limit”) of the FIFA Club Protection Programme is €80,000,000 per annum. Neither FIFA nor national football associations are obliged to provide accidental death or permanent disablement insurance coverage for players while on international duty. These terms are subject to review when the policy is due for renewal.
Our international expansion and operations in foreign markets expose us to risks associated with international sales and operations.
We intend to continue to expand internationally and operate in select foreign markets. Managing a global organization is difficult, time consuming and expensive. Our inexperience in operating the club’s businesses globally increases the risk that any future international expansion efforts that we may undertake will not be successful. In addition, conducting international operations subjects us to risks such as the lack of familiarity with and unexpected changes in foreign regulatory requirements; difficulties in managing and staffing international operations; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; potentially adverse tax consequences, including foreign value added tax systems, and restrictions on repatriation of earnings; the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and legal standards; increased financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities; the lack of strong intellectual property regimes and political, social and economic instability abroad. Operating in international markets also requires significant management attention and financial resources. The investment and additional resources required to establish operations and manage growth in other countries may not produce desired levels of revenue or profitability.
In many foreign countries, particularly in certain developing economies, it is not uncommon to encounter business practices that are prohibited by certain regulations, such as the UK Bribery Act 2010, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws. Our and our subsidiaries’ efforts undertaken to comply with respect to these laws may not prevent our employees, contractors and agents, as
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well as those companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations from taking actions in violation of such policies and procedures. Any such violation, even if prohibited by our or our subsidiaries’ policies and procedures or the law, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations, financial condition and the price of our Class A ordinary shares.
Fluctuations in exchange rates may adversely affect our results of operations.
Our functional and reporting currency is pounds sterling and substantially all of our costs are denominated in pounds sterling. However, Broadcasting revenue from our participation in UEFA club competitions, as well as certain other revenue, is generated in Euros. We also occasionally enter into transfer agreements, commercial partner agreements and other contracts which are payable in Euros. In addition, we have US dollar foreign exchange exposure relating to our secured term loan facility and senior secured notes as well as Commercial revenue from certain sponsors. We hedge the foreign exchange risk on our future US dollar revenues using a portion of our US dollar denominated secured term loan facility and senior secured notes as the hedging instrument. We incurred foreign exchange gains in our statement of profit or loss on our unhedged US dollar denominated secured term loan facility and senior secured notes of £22.4 million in the year ended 30 June 2023, as well as £48.0 million in the year ended 30 June 2021. In the year ended 30 June 2022, we recorded a loss of £58.7 million. For the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021 approximately 4.4%, 11.6% and 15.0% of our total revenue was generated in Euros, respectively, and approximately 12.5%, 13.7% and 9.0% of our total revenue was generated in US dollars, respectively. We may also enter into foreign exchange contracts to hedge a portion of this transactional exposure. We offset the value of our non-sterling revenue and the value of the corresponding hedge before including such amounts in our overall revenue. Our results of operations have in the past and will in the future fluctuate due to movements in exchange rates.
Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property and curb the sale of counterfeit merchandise could injure our brand.
Like other popular brands, we are susceptible to instances of brand infringement (such as counterfeiting and other unauthorized uses of our intellectual property rights). We seek to protect our brand assets by ensuring that we own and control certain intellectual property rights in and to those assets and, where appropriate, by enforcing those intellectual property rights. For example, we own the copyright in our logo, and our logo and trade name are registered as trademarks (or are the subject of applications for registration) in a number of jurisdictions in Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, North America and South America. However, it is not possible to detect all instances of brand infringement. Additionally, where instances of brand infringement are detected, we cannot guarantee that such instances will be prevented as there may be legal or factual circumstances which give rise to uncertainty as to the validity, scope and enforceability of our intellectual property rights in the brand assets. Furthermore, the laws of certain countries in which we license our brand and conduct operations, particularly those in Asia may not offer the same level of protection to intellectual property rights holders as those in the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe and the United States, or the time required to enforce our intellectual property rights under these legal regimes may be lengthy and delay recovery. For example, the unauthorized use of intellectual property is common and widespread in Asia and enforcement of intellectual property rights by local regulatory agencies is inconsistent. If we were to fail or be unable to secure, protect, maintain and/or enforce the intellectual property rights which vest in our brand assets, then we could lose our exclusive right to exploit such brand assets. Infringement of our trademark, copyright and other intellectual property rights could have an adverse effect on our business. We also license our intellectual property rights to third parties. In an effort to protect our brand, we enter into licensing agreements with these third parties which govern the use of our intellectual property and which require our licensees to abide by quality control standards with respect to such use. We cannot assure you that our efforts to police our licensees’ use of our intellectual property will be sufficient to ensure their compliance. The failure of our licensees to comply with the terms of their licenses could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
We are subject to governmental regulation and other legal obligations related to privacy, data protection, data security and safeguarding. Our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business.
We are subject to diverse laws and regulations relating to data privacy and security, including the United Kingdom data protection regime consisting primarily of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and, in the EEA, Regulation 2016/679, known as the EEA General Data Protection Regulation. In key jurisdictions where we operate, including China, Singapore and Thailand, new global privacy rules are being enacted and existing ones are being updated and strengthened. We are likely to be required to expend significant capital and other resources to ensure ongoing compliance with these laws and regulations. Claims that we have violated individuals’ privacy rights or breached our data protection obligations, even if we are not found liable, could be expensive and time-consuming to defend and could result in adverse publicity that could harm our business.
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We collect and process personal data from our followers, customers, members, suppliers, business contacts and employees as part of the operation of our business (including online merchandising), and therefore we must comply with data protection and privacy laws in the United Kingdom and, in certain situations, other jurisdictions where we operate or where our followers reside. The United Kingdom’s data protection regime imposes stringent operational requirements for controllers of personal data, including, for example, higher standards for obtaining consent from individuals to process their personal data (including, in certain circumstances for marketing and other follower engagement), more robust disclosures to individuals and a strengthened individual data rights regime, shortened timelines for data breach notifications, limitations on retention of information, additional obligations when we contract third-party processors in connection with the processing of personal data, and certain restrictions when transferring personal data outside of the UK. The EEA General Data Protection Regulation imposes similarly onerous obligations for our operations in the EEA. In addition, we are exposed to the risk that the personal data we control could be wrongfully accessed and/or used, whether by employees, followers or other third parties, or otherwise lost or disclosed or processed in breach of data protection regulations. If we or any of the third-party service providers on which we rely fail to process such personal data in a lawful or secure manner or if any theft or loss of personal data were to occur, we could face liability under data protection laws, and we may be subject to litigation, regulatory investigations, enforcement notices requiring us to change the way we use personal data and/or fines of up to £17.5 million (in the UK)/20 million Euros (in the EU) or up to 4% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is higher. In addition to statutory enforcement and other administrative penalties, a personal data breach can lead to compensation claims by affected individuals, negative publicity and a potential loss of business.
In recent years, US and European lawmakers and regulators have expressed concern over electronic marketing and the use of third-party cookies, web beacons and similar technology for online behavioral advertising. In the United Kingdom, marketing is defined broadly to include any promotional material and the rules specifically on electronic marketing are currently set out in the ePrivacy Directive (which is implemented in the United Kingdom by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations; this remains in force following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union), which requires informed consent for the placement of a cookie or similar technologies on a user’s device and for certain direct electronic marketing. The regime also imposes conditions on obtaining valid consent, such as a prohibition on pre-checked consents and a requirement to ensure separate consents are sought for each type of cookie or similar technology, and non-compliance with marketing and cookies laws could lead to litigation, regulatory investigations, enforcement notices or monetary penalties. Further regulation or more stringent enforcement of cookies and similar technologies, and any decline of cookies or similar online tracking technologies as a means to identify and potentially target users, may lead to broader restrictions on our online activities, including efforts to understand followers’ internet usage and promote ourselves to them.
We are also subject to legislation associated with child protection, adult protection, safeguarding and the rights of children. We aim to operate in compliance with the guiding principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (“UNCRC”) which sets out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities.
Both in the United Kingdom and internationally there have been increases in disclosures of institutional sexual abuse, most notably by the Football Association (England), US Gymnastics (USA) and Oxfam (Haiti/ United Kingdom), where the outcome has been significant fines, reductions in funding and sponsorship, and substantial media reputational damage along with a lack of trust in those organizations. We are required to demonstrate to government and regulatory bodies our processes and systems to demonstrate what proactive steps we take to ensure the safety and well-being of children and adults at risk in our duty of care, as well as managing any civil liability or other claims by individuals against historical abuse disclosures.
We collect, process and retain personal data associated with safeguarding cases and criminal records in order to take steps to safeguard children and adults at risk, and create a safer culture for them to thrive and for staff/volunteers to work within, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. Safeguarding legislation is in flux with the key focus that the welfare of the child and/or adult at risk is paramount. Failure to maintain compliance with these changes could harm our business.
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Piracy and illegal live streaming may adversely impact our Broadcasting revenue.
For each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, Broadcasting revenue constituted 32.2%, 36.8% and 51.6%, respectively, of our total revenue. Our Broadcasting revenue is principally generated by the broadcasting of our matches on pay and free-to-air television channels as well as content delivered over the internet and through our own television channel, MUTV. In recent years, piracy and illegal live streaming of subscription content over the internet has caused, and is continuing to cause, lost revenue to media distributors showing our matches. For example, the Premier League previously initiated litigation against Google and YouTube for facilitating piracy and illegal streaming of subscription content. While this litigation matter has been settled there can be no guarantee that this or similar actions will prevent or limit future piracy or illegal streaming of subscription content. If these trends increase or continue unabated, they could pose a risk to subscription television services. The result could be a reduction in the value of our share of football broadcasting rights and of our online and MUTV services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
Changes in consumer viewing habits and the emergence of new content distribution platforms could adversely affect our business.
The manner in which consumers view televised sporting events is changing rapidly with the emergence of alternative distribution platforms. Digital cable, internet and wireless content providers are continuing to improve technologies, content offerings, user interface, and business models that allow consumers to access video-on-demand or internet-based tools with interactive capabilities including start, stop and rewind. Such developments may impact the profitability or effectiveness of our existing media contracts and strategy, including our television channel, MUTV. If we are unsuccessful in adapting our licensing practices and/or media platforms as consumer viewing habits change, our viewership levels (whether on traditional or new platforms), our Broadcasting revenue and/or the value of our advertising and sponsorship contracts may decrease, which could have a material adverse effect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, even if we are able to successfully adapt, we will be subject to risks associated with these alternative distribution platforms. Delivery of video programming over the internet is done through a series of carriers, and any point of failure in this distribution chain may disrupt or degrade the quality of our services. Service disruption or degradation for any reason, including as a result of a cyber-attack, natural disaster or other failure in our or a third-party’s IT systems, could diminish the overall attractiveness of our services to subscribers, causing us to lose subscribers and/or credit subscribers affected by such disruption, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our operating results may fluctuate due to seasonality.
Our operating results are subject to seasonal variation, limiting the overall comparability and predictability of interim financial periods. The seasonality of our operating results is primarily attributable to the number of games played in each financial period and therefore Matchday and Broadcasting revenue recognized. Similarly, certain of our costs derive from hosting games at Old Trafford, and these costs will also vary based on the number of games played in the period. We have historically generated higher revenue in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year. Our business might be affected by our men’s first team reaching the later stages of European and domestic competitions, which would generally generate significant additional Broadcasting and Matchday revenue during the fourth quarter of our fiscal years. Our cash flows may also vary among interim periods due to the timing of significant payments from major commercial and player transfer agreements. As a result, our interim results and any quarterly financial information that we publish should not be viewed as an indicator of our performance for the fiscal year.
We are subject to tax in multiple jurisdictions, and changes in tax laws (or in the interpretations thereof) in the United States, United Kingdom or in other jurisdictions could have an adverse effect on us.
Although we are incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company, we report as a US domestic corporation for US federal income tax purposes and we are subject to US federal corporate income tax (at a statutory rate of 21% as of the filing of this Annual Report) on our worldwide income. As the majority of the Group is UK tax resident, then we are also subject to UK corporation tax (currently at a statutory rate of 25%). We expect to utilize a credit in the United States for UK taxes paid and therefore we do not expect to be double taxed on our income.
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In addition, we are subject to income and other taxes in various other jurisdictions. The amount of tax we pay is subject to our interpretation and application of tax laws in jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in current or future laws or regulations, or the imposition of new or changed tax laws or regulations or new related interpretations by taxing authorities in the US, UK or foreign jurisdictions, could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. For example, on August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, which introduced a corporate minimum tax that would be imposed on certain corporations at a 15% rate and an excise tax of 1% that would, in some cases, be imposed on stock buybacks and stock redemptions by corporations. These changes could impact our tax liabilities and the recognition of the US deferred tax asset in the future, among other impacts. See “—If we repurchase shares of our stock including our Class A ordinary shares, we may be subject to a 1% U.S. federal excise tax.” The Internal Revenue Service or other authorities may also issue regulations or other guidance in the future that could modify how these taxes or other provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act will be applied. In addition, other changes to the US federal tax law have also been proposed from time to time; however, it is not yet clear if or what additional changes will be made or when, or what impact any such changes will have on us.
If we repurchase shares of our stock including our Class A ordinary shares, we may be subject to a 1% U.S. federal excise tax.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was signed into law in the United States, which, among other changes, imposed a 1% excise tax on the fair market value of stock repurchased by certain publicly traded corporations, subject to certain exceptions. If we repurchase or are deemed to repurchase shares of our stock, including our Class A ordinary shares, as part of our share repurchase program, a strategic transaction or otherwise, we could be subject to that excise tax unless we qualify for one of the exceptions. In such case, the excise tax would be a liability of the Company and not of our shareholders. The U.S. Department of Treasury has released preliminary guidance on the implementation of this excise tax, but how it applies to stock repurchases is still subject to some uncertainty.
We establish tax provisions, where appropriate, on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to (and recovered from) tax authorities and, as a result, changes in tax laws (or in the interpretations thereof) could have an adverse effect on us.
Tax is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date in the countries where we operate and generate taxable income. We establish provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to (or recovered from) the tax authorities. From time to time we are involved in discussions with tax authorities in relation to ongoing tax matters and, where appropriate, provisions are made based on our assessment of each case. We are currently in active discussions with UK tax authorities over a number of tax areas in relation to arrangements with players and players’ representatives. It is possible that in the future, as a result of these discussions, as well as discussions that UK tax authorities are holding with other stakeholders within the football industry, interpretations of applicable rules will be challenged, which could result in liabilities in relation to these matters. The future income tax expense or credit may be higher or lower than estimates made when we determined whether it was appropriate to record a provision and the amount to be recorded. Furthermore, changes in the legislative framework or applicable tax case law (or in the interpretation thereof) could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
Business interruptions due to natural disasters, terrorist incidents and other events, such as a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease, could adversely affect us and Old Trafford.
Our operations can be subject to natural disasters, terrorist incidents and other events beyond our control, such as earthquakes, fires, power failures, telecommunication losses, acts of war and pandemics, epidemics or any other outbreak of an infectious disease. For example, our business was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in matches being played behind closed doors and the closure of our Museum, Stadium Tours and Megastore operations. Such events, whether natural or manmade, could cause severe destruction or interruption to our operations, and as a result, our business could suffer serious harm. Our men’s first team regularly tours the world for promotional matches, visiting various countries with a history of terrorism and civil unrest, and as a result, we and our players could be potential targets of terrorism when visiting such countries. In addition, any prolonged business interruption at Old Trafford could cause a decline in Matchday revenue. Our business interruption insurance only covers some, but not all, of these potential events, and even for those events that are covered, it may not be sufficient to compensate us fully for losses or damages that may occur as a result of such events, including, for example, loss of market share and diminution of our brand, reputation and client loyalty. Any one or more of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation, financial condition and cash flow.
We are subject to risks relating to weather and climate change.
Extreme weather conditions may cause property damage or interrupt our Matchday operations both at Old Trafford and at other away match locations, which could harm our business and results of operations or incur additional costs. Climate change may affect the
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frequency or severity of these conditions. Our property and business interruption insurance coverage for certain conditions is subject to deductibles and limits on maximum benefits, including limitation on the coverage period for business interruption, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to fully insure such losses or fully collect, if at all, on claims resulting from such conditions.
If we fail to properly manage our anticipated growth, our business could suffer.
The planned growth of our commercial operations may place a significant strain on our management and on our operational and financial resources and systems. To manage growth effectively, we will need to maintain a system of management controls and attract and retain qualified personnel, as well as, develop, train and manage management-level and other employees. Failure to manage our growth effectively could cause us to over-invest or under-invest in infrastructure, and result in losses or weaknesses in our infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. Any failure by us to manage our growth effectively could have a negative effect on our ability to achieve our development and commercialization goals and strategies.
Non-compliance with health and safety legislation could lead to physical harm.
The safety, health, and well-being of all our employees and customers is fundamental to delivering sustainable and positive economic performance. We are obligated to comply with various rules and conditions imposed by government and regulatory bodies, including but not limited to those set out by the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA), ISO 45001:2018 certification (Health & Safety Management Standard) and fire safety measures. Any incident involving non-compliance with respect to health and safety could potentially not only affect staff but also others at the stadium including contractors, fans and visitors. Depending on the severity of the non-compliance and the impact on those affected parties, this could lead to possible accident or injury claims, fines, damage to the brand and reputation and prosecution, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. In an effort to mitigate these risks, we have dedicated significant resources to establishing health and safety operational policies and procedures, ongoing employee training protocols, and both monthly/ annual compliance and affirmation reporting obligations. Incidents involving non-compliance may still occur despite our efforts, and it is possible that these and any similar actions we may take in the future to mitigate these risks may divert resources away from our revenue-generating activities without yielding a corresponding benefit.
Risks Related to Our Industry
An economic downturn or other adverse economic conditions may harm our business.
Economic downturns and other adverse conditions in the United Kingdom and markets globally, including the current economic downturn, interest rates, inflation rates and other economic pressures, have negatively affected, and any further downturns or other adverse conditions that occur in the future may also negatively affect, our operations. Our Matchday and Broadcasting revenues in part depend on personal disposable income and corporate marketing and hospitality budgets. Further, our Commercial revenue is contingent upon the expenditures of businesses across a wide range of industries. Any economic downturn or other deterioration in economic conditions, such as inflation, slower growth, unemployment levels, credit availability, fuel prices, interest rates, tax rates, trade relations and regulations, or other factors, whether resulting from geopolitical issues and uncertainty, the impact of pandemics, epidemics or other outbreaks of infectious disease, or any number of other conditions or events outside of our control, are likely to have a negative impact on consumer and corporate discretionary spending and otherwise lead companies in affected industries to cut costs in response to these changed circumstances. As a result, any economic downturn or other weakening in economic conditions could cause a reduction in our Commercial revenue, as well as our Broadcasting and Matchday revenues, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
The departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union may adversely affect our operations and financial results.
The United Kingdom formally withdrew from the EU on 31 January 2020 and entered into a transition period which ended on 31 December 2020. While a number of significant agreements were ratified during the transitional period or shortly thereafter, there remains a degree of political and economic uncertainty regarding the potential impact of the different relationships.
These developments may continue to impact the economic outlook of the EU and the United Kingdom, and associated global implications remain uncertain. Lack of clarity about future UK laws and regulations could decrease foreign direct investment in the United Kingdom, increase costs, depress economic activity and restrict our access to capital and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flow and the price of our Class A ordinary shares.
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Furthermore, following the departure of the United Kingdom from the EU, there are greater restrictions on the movement of players (and football technical staff including Head Coaches) between the United Kingdom and EU member states, and other increased regulatory complexities. Any EU resident player or technical staff that the club is seeking to employ must now be granted a Governing Body Endorsement (“GBE”) from The Football Association. The FA will grant a GBE automatically if certain “auto-pass” criteria are met which for players is based on their record of senior international appearances, typically reviewed over a 2-year period and the auto-pass thresholds being determined by the FIFA ranking of the player’s national association. If the player does not meet the auto-pass threshold, a points system based on a number of football-related criteria (in addition to senior international appearances) is used to determine whether a GBE will be granted.
In addition to EU resident football players now requiring a GBE (similar to other workers not entitled to work in the UK), the departure of the United Kingdom means we are no longer able to rely on the exemption that permits the transfer of players between the ages of 16 and 18 within the territory of the EU or the EEA (subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions) as an exception to the FIFA rules which prohibit the international transfer of players under the age of 18 (subject to certain limited exceptions). As a response to these restrictions impacting the ability to obtain top talent compared to the Premier League’s European competitors, the FA, Premier League and EFL have agreed to additional opportunities for players under an Elite Significant Contribution (“ESC”) criteria. Whilst the ESC route will open up wider recruitment opportunities, clubs will be limited in the number of ESC players they may employ with quotas ties into the total minutes played by English qualified players across the season.
An increase in the relative size of salaries or transfer costs could adversely affect our business.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain the highest quality players and coaching staff. As a result, we are obliged to pay salaries generally comparable to our main competitors in England and Europe. Any increase in salaries may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
Other factors that affect player salaries, such as significant investment in players by non-European leagues, changes in personal tax rates, changes to the treatment of income or other changes to taxation in the United Kingdom and the relative strength of pounds sterling, may make it more difficult to attract top players and coaching staff from Europe or elsewhere or require us to pay higher salaries to compensate for higher taxes or less favorable exchange rates. In addition, if our revenue falls and salaries remain stable (for example, as a result of fixed player or coaching staff salaries over a long period) or increase, our results of operations would be materially adversely affected.
An increase in transfer fees would require us to pay more than expected for the acquisition of players’ registrations in the future. In addition, certain players’ transfer values may diminish after we acquire them, and we may sell those players for transfer fees below their net book value, resulting in a loss on disposal of players’ registrations. Net transfer costs could also increase if levies imposed by FIFA, the Premier League or any other organization in respect of the transfer of players’ registrations were to increase.
We remain committed to attracting and retaining the highest quality players and key football management staff for our men’s first team. Our average annual net registrations cash outflow over the last five years has been £124.0 million and we continue to expect it to vary significantly from period to period. We may explore new player acquisitions in connection with future transfer periods that may materially increase the amount of our net capital expenditure on intangible assets. As part of any material increase in net capital expenditure on intangible assets, we may also experience a material increase in our expenditure for player salaries. The actual amount of cash we use on player acquisitions will also depend, in part, on the amount of any cash we receive as a result of the sale of any players. Any increase in net capital expenditure on intangible assets compared to historic levels will also result in an increase in amortization expenses in future periods.
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UEFA, Premier League and FIFA regulations could negatively affect our business.
As the primary governing body of European football, UEFA continually evaluates the dynamics in the football industry and considers changes to the regulatory framework governing European football clubs. Clubs participating in UEFA club competitions are subject to the UEFA Club Licensing and Sustainability regulations. Breaches in the rules may result in, among other things, withholding of prize money, bans on registering new players for UEFA club competitions and ultimately disqualification from UEFA club competitions. Amongst other things, these rules are intended to discourage clubs from continually operating at a loss and to ensure that clubs settle their football, staff and tax creditors on time. Participating clubs were previously subject to Financial Fair Play (“FFP”) regulations where relevant costs (which includes all wage costs and the amortization of player capital expenditures, but excludes depreciation of tangible fixed assets, youth development, women’s team and community expenditure) exceed revenues on a cumulative basis over a three-year period, or serious delays in settling creditors. Breaches have resulted in clubs being punished by way of significant fines and even exclusion from UEFA club competitions. The rules were amended and renamed Financial Sustainability Regulations (“FSR”) and became effective from 1 July 2022, to include a squad cost rule, with the existing “break-even” rule remaining in place but with an increased allowable loss limit of €60m over a 3-year period (based on certain criteria being achieved) compared to €30m under the previous regulations. This could be increased to €90m if certain good financial health criteria are also achieved.
The new regulations also subject clubs to squad cost controls for the first time. The cost control rule restricts spending on player and coach wages, transfers, and agent fees to 70% of club revenues in a calendar year. Revenue includes operating revenue and an average of the previous 36 months of player trading result. The gradual implementation sees the percentage at 90% in 2023/24 based on calendar year 2023, 80% in 2024/25 based on calendar year 2024, and 70% in 2025/26 based on calendar year 2025. The percentage remains at 70% thereafter and is tested on a calendar year basis.
Finally, the FSR include a positive net equity test as of the 31 December each year preceding each deadline, and increased overdue payables reporting under which clubs must have no overdue payables as of 28 February each year in respect of other football clubs, social & tax authorities and employees.
Under the previous FFP rules, the club suffered a minor technical breach of the allowable loss limit for the 22/23 break-even test. The test covered a 5-year period with 2019/20 and 2020/21 deemed to be one averaged year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the special regulations put in place by UEFA in June 2020. The club’s reported loss for this period was €34.4 million which was €29.4 million greater than the allowable loss of €5 million. UEFA allowed the increase of the allowable loss to €30 million if the deficit was reduced to the €5.0 million acceptable deviation by equity contributions from equity participants and/or related parties. However, as the club’s loss was in excess of €30m, this option was not available. The club had a number of mitigating factors for the loss, having consistently reported surplus profits under UEFA’s regulations prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and these are discussed further under the ‘UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Sustainability Regulations’ within ‘Item 4. Information on the Company’ of this report. As a result, the Club Financial Control Body (“CFCB”) issued the club with a €0.3 million fine with no go-forward restrictions and so this breach will have no bearing on the future performance of the club.
The Premier League also operates under regulations that aim to promote sustainability through profitability. The Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules contain a break-even test, similar to that in UEFA’s regulations but with an increased allowable loss limit of £15 million, or up to £105 million dependent on the ability of the club to meet its’ liabilities. Our most recent submission was based on the fiscal years ended 30 June 2022 and 2021, and the average of fiscal years ended 2020 and 2019, and provided a positive result. Wide-ranging sanctions, including significant fines, player transfer restrictions and Premier League points deduction, may be imposed by the Premier League for a breach of these regulations.
There is a risk that application of the UEFA Financial Sustainability regulations and Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules could have a material adverse effect on the performance of our men’s first team and our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
The club is also bound by FIFA and Premier League regulations in respect of the status and transfer of players’ registrations across all age groups internationally and domestically. Sanctions for significant non-compliance or breaches could include restrictions on incoming player transfers and monetary fines, which could have a material adverse effect on the performance of our men’s first team and our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
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We could be negatively affected by current and future Premier League, FA, UEFA, FIFA or other regulations.
Future changes to the Premier League, FA, UEFA, FIFA or other regulations may adversely affect our results of operations. These regulations could cover various aspects of our business, such as the format of competitions, the eligibility of players, the operation of the transfer market and the distribution of Broadcasting revenue. FIFA is currently going through a process of reforming the regulations which govern the transfer of player registrations, including: (a) how clubs involved in the training of a professional player are compensated for their contribution to the development of that player when that player’s registration is transferred from one club to another; (b) the transfer of players on a temporary basis (so-called player loans); and (c) the activities and remuneration of intermediaries (so-called football agents) with respect to player transfers. It is possible that this regulatory reform will impact our ability to acquire players and/or increase our costs with respect to the recruitment and retention of players. In addition, changes are being considered to address the financial sustainability of clubs such as more robust ownership rules and tests in relation to board directors and significant shareholders. In particular, changes to football regulations designed to promote competition could have a significant impact on our business. Such changes could include changes to the distribution of broadcasting income and changes to the relegation structure of English football. In addition, rules designed to promote the development of local players, such as the Home-Grown Player Rule, which requires each Premier League club to include at least eight “home grown” (i.e., players that have been registered for at least three seasons at an English or Welsh club between the ages of 16 and 21) players in their squads, could limit our ability to select players. Any of these changes could make it more difficult for us to acquire top quality players and, therefore, adversely affect the performance of our men’s first team.
Changes in the format of the league and cup competitions in which our men’s first team plays, or might in the future play, could have a negative impact on our results of operations. In addition, in the event that new competitions are introduced to replace existing competitions (for example, a European league), our results of operations may be negatively affected.
Changes in the wider regulatory framework for English football could impact our business, following the Fan-led Review of Football Governance initiated by the UK Government in April 2021. Preliminary findings from the Review were published in July 2021 and included a recommendation for the creation of an Independent Regulator for English Football, established by legislation, to take over some responsibilities currently held by the FA. It was proposed that such a body would likely oversee matters, including financial regulation, corporate governance and ownership. In February 2023, the UK government confirmed plans to introduce an independent regulator and consultations and planning on this matter are ongoing.
While the Club has positively engaged with the Review and supports many of its objectives, the creation of an Independent Regulator could result in new restrictions and requirements for our business. These could include cost controls, minimum governance standards and revised tests for owners and directors.
There could be a decline in our popularity or the popularity of football.
There can be no assurance that football will retain its popularity as a sport around the world and its status in the United Kingdom as the so-called “national game,” together with the associated levels of media coverage. In addition, we could suffer a decline in popularity. Any decline in popularity could result in lower ticket sales, Broadcasting revenue, sponsorship revenue, a reduction in the value of our players or our brand, or a decline in the value of our securities, including our Class A ordinary shares. Any one of these events or a combination of such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
Risk Related to Our Indebtedness
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and competitive position.
As of 30 June 2023, we had total indebtedness of £613.3 million. Our indebtedness increases the risk that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay amounts due in respect of our indebtedness. It could also have negative effects on our business. For example, it could:
| ● | limit our ability to pay dividends; |
| ● | increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; |
| ● | require us to dedicate a material portion of our cash flow from operations to make payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund the hiring and retention of players and coaching staff, working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes; |
| ● | limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the football industry; |
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| ● | affect our ability to compete for players and coaching staff; and |
| ● | limit our ability to borrow additional funds. |
In addition, our revolving facilities, our secured term loan facility and the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes contain, and any agreements evidencing or governing other future indebtedness may contain, certain restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to engage in certain activities that are in our long-term best interests. See “— Our indebtedness may restrict our ability to pursue our business strategies.” We have not previously breached and are not in breach of any of the covenants under any of these facilities; however our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our indebtedness.
To service our indebtedness, we require cash, and our ability to generate cash is subject to many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to the performance and popularity of our men’s first team as well as general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Failure to refinance our indebtedness on terms we believe to be acceptable could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Our indebtedness may restrict our ability to pursue our business strategies.
Our revolving facilities, our secured term loan facility and the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes limit our ability, among other things, to:
| ● | incur additional indebtedness; |
| ● | pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our shares; |
| ● | make investments; |
| ● | sell assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries; |
| ● | enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; |
| ● | consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; |
| ● | enter into sale and leaseback transactions; |
| ● | enter into transactions with our affiliates; and |
| ● | incur liens. |
Our ability to comply with these covenants and restrictions may be affected by events beyond our control. If we breach any of these covenants or restrictions, we could be in default under our revolving facilities, our secured term loan facility and the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes. This would permit the lending banks under our revolving facilities and our secured term loan facility to take certain actions, including declaring all amounts that we have borrowed under our revolving facilities, secured term loan facility and other indebtedness to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. This would also result in an event of default under the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes. Furthermore, lending banks could refuse to extend further credit under the revolving facilities. If the debt under our revolving facilities, our secured term loan facility, the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes or any other material financing arrangement that we enter into were to be accelerated, our assets, in particular liquid assets, may be insufficient to repay our indebtedness. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with borrowings under our revolving facilities and our secured term loan facility, which bear interest at variable rates. Interest rate changes could impact the amount of our interest payments, and accordingly, our future earnings and cash flow, assuming other factors are held constant. We have entered into an interest rate swap related to a portion of our secured term loan facility that involves the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility. As of 30 June 2023, we had £175.2 million of variable rate indebtedness outstanding under our secured term loan facility and £100.0 million of variable rate indebtedness outstanding under our revolving facilities. We cannot assure you that any hedging activities entered into by us will be effective in fully mitigating our interest rate risk from our variable rate indebtedness.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Class A Ordinary Shares
Because of their increased voting rights, the holders of our Class B shares will be able to exert control over us and our significant corporate decisions.
Trusts and other entities controlled by six lineal descendants of Mr. Malcolm Glazer collectively own 4.37% of our issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares and all of our issued and outstanding Class B ordinary shares, representing 95.62% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – A. Major Shareholders.” Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote per share and is not convertible into any other class of shares. Each Class B ordinary share is entitled to 10 votes per share and is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time. In addition, our Class B ordinary shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares upon certain transfers and other events, including upon the date when holders of all Class B ordinary shares cease to hold Class B ordinary shares representing at least 10% of the total number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares outstanding. For special resolutions, which require the vote of two-thirds of the votes cast, at any time that Class B ordinary shares remain outstanding, the voting power permitted to be exercised by the holders of the Class B ordinary shares will be weighted such that the Class B ordinary shares shall represent, in the aggregate, 67% of the voting power of all shareholders. As a result, the holders of our Class B shares will be able to exert a significant degree of influence or actual control over our management and affairs and control all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors and any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. The interests of the holders of our Class B shares might not coincide with the interests of the other shareholders. This concentration of voting power in our Class B shares may harm the value of our Class A ordinary shares, among other things:
| ● | delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our Company; |
| ● | impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving our Company; or |
| ● | causing us to enter into transactions or agreements that are not in the best interests of all shareholders. |
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As a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance rules, we are permitted to, and we do, rely on exemptions from certain of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards and shareholder approval requirements. Our reliance on such exemptions may afford less protection to holders of our Class A ordinary shares.
The New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance rules require listed companies to have, among other things, a majority of independent board members and independent director oversight of executive compensation, nomination of directors and corporate governance matters. Additionally, the New York Stock Exchange’s rules require that a listed company obtain, in specified circumstances, (1) shareholder approval to adopt and materially revise equity compensation plans, as well as (2) shareholder approval prior to an issuance (a) of more than 1% of its common stock (including derivative securities thereof) in either number or voting power to related parties, (b) of more than 20% of its outstanding common stock (including derivative securities thereof) in either number or voting power or (c) that would result in a change of control. As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to, and we do, follow home country practice in lieu of the foregoing requirements. As long as we rely on the foreign private issuer exemptions under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, among other exemptions: a majority of the directors on our board of directors are not required to qualify as “independent directors” as defined under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange; our remuneration committee is not required to be comprised entirely of “independent directors”; our audit committee is not required to have at least three members, each of whom qualifies as an “independent director”; we are not required to have a nominating and corporate governance committee and, if we have such committee, it is not required to be comprised entirely of “independent directors”; and shareholder approval is neither required for equity compensation plans and material revisions to those plans nor the issuance of more than 1% of our outstanding ordinary shares (including derivative securities thereof) in either number or voting power, the issuance of 20% or more of our outstanding ordinary shares (including derivative securities thereof) in either number or voting power or an issuance that would result in a change of control. Therefore, our board of directors’ approach to governance and securities issuances may be different from that of a board of directors consisting of a majority of independent directors, and, as a result, the management oversight of our Company may be more limited than if we were subject to all of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards and shareholder approval requirements.
Accordingly, our shareholders do not have the same protection afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards and shareholder approval requirements, and the ability of our independent directors to influence our business policies and affairs may be reduced.
The obligations associated with being a public company require significant resources and management attention.
As a public company in the United States, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not previously incur as a private company. We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Compliance with these rules and regulations increases our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increases demand on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual and current reports with respect to our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and requires our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to the effectiveness of such internal control. Even if our management concludes that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may decline to attest to our management’s assessment or may issue a report that is qualified if it is not satisfied with our internal controls or the level at which such controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us. Failure to comply with Section 404 could subject us to regulatory scrutiny and sanctions, impair our ability to generate revenue, cause investors to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and negatively affect our share price.
Furthermore, the demands of being a public company may divert management’s attention from implementing our growth strategy, which could prevent us from improving our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to continue to meet our reporting obligations as a public company. However, the measures we have taken, and will continue to take, may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations as a public company. In addition, these rules and regulations increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, these rules and regulations make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to incur substantial costs to maintain the same or similar coverage. These additional obligations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
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In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to continue to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could be adversely affected.
We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses.
We are a “foreign private issuer,” as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and therefore, we are not required to comply with all the periodic disclosure and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and related rules and regulations. Under Rule 405, the determination of foreign private issuer status is made annually on the last business day of an issuer’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter and, accordingly, the next determination will be made with respect to us on 31 December 2023.
In the future, we would lose our foreign private issuer status if a majority of our shareholders, directors or management are US citizens or residents and we fail to meet additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status. Although we have elected to comply with certain US regulatory provisions, our loss of foreign private issuer status would make such provisions mandatory. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under US securities laws as a US domestic issuer may be significantly higher. If we are not a foreign private issuer, we will be required to file periodic reports and registration statements on US domestic issuer forms with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. For example, the annual report on Form 10-K requires domestic issuers to disclose executive compensation information on an individual basis with specific disclosure regarding the domestic compensation philosophy, objectives, annual total compensation (base salary, bonus, equity compensation) and potential payments in connection with change in control, retirement, death or disability, while the annual report on Form 20-F permits foreign private issuers to disclose compensation information on an aggregate basis. We will also have to mandatorily comply with US federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We may also be required to modify certain of our policies to comply with good governance practices associated with US domestic issuers. Such conversion and modifications will involve additional costs. In addition, we may lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements on US stock exchanges that are available to foreign private issuers.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Cayman Islands law may discourage or prevent a change of control, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our shareholders, which could depress the price of our Class A ordinary shares and prevent attempts by our shareholders to replace or remove our current management.
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contain provisions that may discourage unsolicited takeover proposals that shareholders may consider to be in their best interests. In particular, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association permit our board of directors to issue preference shares from time to time, with such rights and preferences as they consider appropriate. Our board of directors could also authorize the issuance of preference shares with terms and conditions and under circumstances that could have an effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction. We are also subject to certain provisions under Cayman Islands law which could delay or prevent a change of control. In particular, any merger, consolidation or amalgamation of the Company would require the active consent of our board of directors. Our board of directors may be appointed or removed by the holders of the majority of the voting power of our ordinary shares (which is controlled by the holders of our Class B ordinary shares). Together these provisions may make more difficult the removal of management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our Class A ordinary shares.
The price of our Class A ordinary shares might fluctuate significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Volatility in the market price of our Class A ordinary shares may prevent investors from being able to sell their Class A ordinary shares at or above the price they paid for such shares. The trading price of our Class A ordinary shares may be volatile and subject to wide price fluctuations in response to various factors, including:
| ● | performance of our men’s first team; |
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| ● | the overall performance of the equity markets; |
| ● | industry related regulatory developments; |
| ● | issuance of new or changed securities analysts’ reports or recommendations; |
| ● | additions or departures of key personnel; |
| ● | investor perceptions of us and the football industry, changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; |
| ● | sale of our Class A ordinary shares by us, our principal shareholders or members of our management; |
| ● | general economic conditions, including the economic impact of any pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease; |
| ● | changes in interest rates; and |
| ● | availability of capital. |
These and other factors might cause the market price of our Class A ordinary shares to fluctuate substantially, which might limit or prevent investors from readily selling their Class A ordinary shares and may otherwise negatively affect the liquidity of our Class A ordinary shares. In addition, in recent years, the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant impact on the market price of securities issued by many companies across many industries. The changes frequently appear to occur without regard to the operating performance of the affected companies. Accordingly, the price of our Class A ordinary shares could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with our Company, and these fluctuations could materially reduce our share price. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a company’s securities. This litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs, divert our management’s attention and resources, and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
Future sales of our Class A ordinary shares, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may depress our stock price.
Sales of substantial amounts of our Class A ordinary shares, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the price of our Class A ordinary shares and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional shares. As of 2 September 2023, we had 54,631,231 Class A ordinary shares outstanding. The Class A ordinary shares are freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, except for any of our Class A ordinary shares that may be held or acquired by our directors, executive officers and other affiliates, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, which will be restricted securities under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may not be sold in the public market unless the sale is registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available.
All of our Class A ordinary shares outstanding as of the date of this Annual Report may be sold in the public market by existing shareholders, subject to applicable Rule 144 volume limitations and other limitations imposed under federal securities laws.
In the future, we may also issue our securities if we need to raise capital in connection with a capital raise or acquisition. The amount of our Class A ordinary shares issued in connection with a capital raise or acquisition could constitute a material portion of our then-outstanding Class A ordinary shares.
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Our ability to pay regular dividends is subject to restrictions in our revolving facilities, our secured term loan facility, the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes, results of operations, distributable reserves and solvency requirements; our Class A ordinary shares have no guaranteed dividends and holders of our Class A ordinary shares have no recourse if dividends are not declared.
No dividend was paid for fiscal year 2023. The declaration and payment of any future dividends will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors or a committee thereof and will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, distributable reserves, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law, capital requirements and other factors our board of directors (or such committee thereof) deems relevant. Furthermore, neither our Class A ordinary shares nor our Class B ordinary shares have any guaranteed dividends and holders of our Class A ordinary shares and holders of our Class B ordinary shares have no recourse if dividends are not declared. Our ability to pay dividends on the Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares is limited by our revolving facilities, our secured term loan facility and the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes, which contain restricted payment covenants. The restricted payment covenants allow dividends in certain circumstances, including to the extent dividends do not exceed 50% of the cumulative consolidated net income of Red Football Limited and its restricted subsidiaries, provided there is no event of default and Red Football Limited is able to meet the principal and interest payments on its debt under a fixed charge coverage test. Our ability to pay dividends may be further restricted by the terms of any of our future debt or preferred securities. Additionally, because we are a holding company, our ability to pay dividends on our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares is limited by restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions to us, including restrictions under the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness. As a consequence of these limitations and restrictions, we may not be able to make, or may have to reduce or eliminate, the payment of dividends on our Class A ordinary shares. Accordingly, you may have to sell some or all of your Class A ordinary shares after price appreciation in order to generate cash flow from your investment. You may not receive a gain on your investment when you sell your Class A ordinary shares and you may lose the entire amount of the investment. Additionally, any change in the level of our dividends or the suspension of the payment thereof could adversely affect the market price of our Class A ordinary shares. See “Item 8. Financial Information – A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information – Dividend Policy.”
The rules of the Premier League, UEFA and our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association impose certain limitations on shareholders’ ability to invest in more than one football club.
The rules of the Premier League prohibit any person who holds an interest of 10% or more of the total voting rights exercisable in a Premier League or English Football League (“EFL”) football club from holding an interest in voting rights exercisable in any other Premier League football club or EFL football club. As a result, our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association prohibit the acquisition of (i) 10% or more of our Class A ordinary shares if they hold any interest in voting rights exercisable in another Premier League football club and (ii) any Class A ordinary shares if they hold an interest of 10% or more of the total voting rights exercisable in another Premier League football club. Further, UEFA regulations prevent clubs under common ownership from taking part in the same competition, which may limit our shareholders’ ability to invest in other football clubs. In addition, under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, if any shareholder is determined by us, at our absolute discretion, to be holding any Class A ordinary shares in violation of this rule or the rules of certain other relevant governing bodies, we have the right to repurchase shares from such person or direct that shareholder to transfer those shares to another person.
Exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect the foreign exchange value of the Class A ordinary shares and any dividends.
Our Class A ordinary shares are quoted in US dollars on the New York Stock Exchange. Our financial statements are prepared in pounds sterling. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the pounds sterling and the US dollar will affect, among other matters, the US dollar value of the Class A ordinary shares and of any dividends.
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The rights afforded to shareholders are governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands.
Our corporate affairs and the rights afforded to shareholders are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and by the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands (the “Companies Law”) and common law of the Cayman Islands, and these rights differ in certain respects from the rights of shareholders in typical US corporations. In particular, the laws of the Cayman Islands relating to the protection of the interests of minority shareholders differ in some respects from those established under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in the United States. The laws of the Cayman Island provide only limited circumstances under which shareholders of companies may bring derivative actions and (except in limited circumstances) do not afford appraisal rights to dissenting shareholders in the form typically available to shareholders of a US corporation other than in limited circumstances in relation to certain mergers. A summary of Cayman Islands law on the protection of minority shareholders is set out in “Item 10. Additional Information — B. Memorandum and Articles of Association and Other Share Information.”
We report as a US domestic corporation for US federal corporate income tax purposes.
As discussed more fully under “Item 10. Additional Information – E. Taxation,” due to the circumstances of our formation and the application of Section 7874 of the Code, we report as a US domestic corporation for all purposes of the Code. As a result, we are subject to US federal income tax on our worldwide income. In addition, if we pay dividends to a Non-US Holder, as defined in the discussion “Item 10. Additional Information — E. Taxation,” we will be required to withhold US federal income tax at the rate of 30%, or such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable income tax treaty. Each investor should consult its own tax adviser regarding the US federal income tax position of the Company and the tax consequences of holding the Class A ordinary shares.
Withholding under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act may apply to our dividends.
Under legislation incorporating provisions referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), a 30% withholding tax will generally apply to certain types of payments, including US source dividends made to “foreign financial institutions” (as defined under those rules) and certain other non-US entities, unless such foreign financial institutions or other entities comply with requirements under FATCA. Because we report as a US domestic corporation for all purposes of the Code, including for purposes of FATCA, our dividends paid to a foreign financial institution or other non-US entity may be subject to potential withholding under FATCA. Under the applicable US Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends on our Class A ordinary shares. While withholding under FATCA would have also applied to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of stock on or after 1 January 2019, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports or publish unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Class A ordinary shares depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business or our industry. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock, our share price will likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases to cover us or fails to publish regular reports on us, interest in the purchase of our Class A ordinary shares could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
It may be difficult to enforce a US judgment against us, our directors and officers and certain experts named in this Annual Report outside the United States, or to assert US securities law claims outside of the United States.
The majority of our directors and executive officers are not residents of the United States, and the majority of our assets and the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for investors to effect service of process upon us within the United States or other jurisdictions, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. Additionally, it may be difficult to assert US securities law claims in actions originally instituted outside of the United States. Foreign courts may refuse to hear a US securities law claim because foreign courts may not be the most appropriate forums in which to bring such a claim. Even if a foreign court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that the law of the jurisdiction in which the foreign court resides, and not US law, is applicable to the claim. Further, if US law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable US law must be proved as a fact, which can be a time-consuming and costly process, and certain matters of procedure would still be governed by the law of the jurisdiction in which the foreign court resides.
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In particular, investors should be aware that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would recognize and enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against us or our directors or management as well as against the selling shareholder predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States or entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands courts against us or our directors or officers as well as against the selling shareholder predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. As a result of the difficulty associated with enforcing a judgment against us, you may not be able to collect any damages awarded by either a US or foreign court.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
Our Company — Manchester United
Manchester United Ltd., an exempted company with limited liability incorporated under the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands, was incorporated on 30 April 2012. On 8 August 2012, Manchester United Ltd. changed its legal name to Manchester United plc. The principal executive office address is Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RA, United Kingdom.
The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov. We also make available on our website, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 20-F and the text of our reports on Form 6-K, including any amendments to these reports, as well as certain other SEC filings, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our website address is https://ir.manutd.com/. The information contained on or through our website, or any other website referred to herein, is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
We are one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, playing one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth. Through our 145-year heritage we have won 67 trophies, including a record 20 English league titles, enabling us to develop what we believe is one of the world’s leading sports brands and a global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers. Our large, passionate community provides us with a worldwide platform to generate significant revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, broadcasting and Matchday. We attract leading global companies such as adidas, Chevrolet, DXC, TeamViewer and Tezos that want access and exposure to our community of followers and association with our brand.
Our global community of followers engages with us in a variety of ways:
| ● | Premier League games at our home stadium, Old Trafford, played in front of a crowd, have been virtually sold out since the 1997/98 season. In the 2020/21 season, due to COVID-19 and associated government restrictions, 33 of our 34 home games were played behind closed doors. From the start of the 2021/22 season, Old Trafford stadium welcomed back fans at full capacity and all matches in the year operated at full capacity. |
| ● | We undertake exhibition games and promotional tours on a global basis, enabling our worldwide followers to see our team play. These games are in addition to our competitive matches and take place during the summer months or during gaps in the football season. Over the last 6 years, we have played 29 exhibition games in Australia, China, Ireland, Norway, Singapore, Thailand, the United States and the United Kingdom. |
| ● | Our customer relationship management (“CRM”) database, a proprietary data repository that includes contact and transactional details of followers and customers around the globe, enables us to analyze and better understand prospects and customers to drive revenues. As of 30 June 2023, we estimate that the CRM database holds approximately 60.0 million records. |
| ● | As of 30 June 2023, we also had more than 240.9 million total social connections. Last year we reported a year-end figure as of 30 June 2022 of 220.8 million total social connections (a 9.1% increase). Total social connections include the following: |
| o | We have a very popular brand page on Facebook with approximately 76.2 million connections as of 30 June 2023. In comparison, the New York Yankees had just over 9 million connections and the Dallas Cowboys had approximately 8.3 million connections as of 30 June 2023. |
| o | As of 30 June 2023, our X (formerly known as Twitter) accounts had more than 41.7 million followers, an increase of 15.2% from 30 June 2022. |
| o | We have over 62.1 million followers on Instagram as of 30 June 2023, an increase of 5.6% from 30 June 2022. We continue to be the most-followed Premier League club on Instagram. |
| o | As of 30 June 2023, our YouTube channel had over 7.8 million subscribers, an increase of 30.0% from 30 June 2022. |
| o | We have developed a significant presence on TikTok, with our channel reaching 22.7 million followers following its launch in October 2020. |
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| o | We also have a significant presence on Chinese social media. Ahead of the 2022/23 season, we launched on Chinese platform Xiaohongshu (also known as RED). We continue to be the most-followed football club on Sina Weibo, with over 11 million followers as of 30 June 2023. |
| ● | After launching our website ManUtd.com and our free global mobile application in 2018, focus has turned to developing digital media opportunities in a number of key strategic areas. |
| ● | Since 2013 we have wholly owned our in-house television network MUTV, ensuring that we have both a greater degree of control over the production, distribution and quality of our proprietary content and better insight into how to evolve our digital media strategy as we continue to develop and roll out carefully targeted new products and services. Distributed globally, MUTV enables our fans to watch our men’s first-team tour matches live, our Academy and selected women’s team matches live, as well as exclusively produced original productions and interviews with players and our team manager and the manager’s weekly press conference. Furthermore, the new app had been enhanced to better integrate our podcast offering to allow fans to listen to our podcasts as they are meant to be consumed. |
| ● | In May 2022 we further expanded the reach of our in-house television network by incorporating MUTV into our main global application and removing the need for fans to have multiple iOS or Android apps. At the same time we brought in several new features including messaging, matchday audio streaming and providing access to our Premier League archive collection for the first time. Opening up this archive of Premier League matches has significantly enhanced our digital offering, providing fans with full access to over 1,100 games and 2,100 goals over a thirty-year period. |
| ● | We have expanded the reach of MUTV, which can now be accessed via 476 TV or connected device manufacturers following launch on Samsung, LG and Android TV’s, in addition to Apple TV, Xbox, Amazon fire and Roku. Our linear television network, MUTV, is distributed in 72 markets via 13 partners and we recently renewed our long-standing partnership with Sky in the UK & Ireland until June 2025. |
| ● | During fiscal year 2023, according to Futures Data, our 2022/23 season games generated a cumulative audience reach of 2.8 billion viewers; thus on a per game basis our 62 games attracted an average cumulative audience reach of over 45.2 million viewers. |
| ● | We have one of the strongest online global brands providing us with significant opportunities to further engage with our followers and develop our media assets and revenue streams. |
Our Business Model and Revenue Drivers
We operate and manage our business as a single reporting segment – the operation of professional sports teams. However, we review our revenue through three principal sectors – Commercial, Broadcasting and Matchday.
| ● | Commercial: Within the Commercial revenue sector, we monetize our global brand via two revenue streams: sponsorship and retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing. |
| ● | Sponsorship: We monetize the value of our global brand and community of followers through marketing and sponsorship relationships with leading international and regional companies around the globe. To better leverage the strength of our brand, we have developed a segmentation sponsorship strategy. Our sponsorship revenue was £189.5 million, £147.9 million and £140.2 million, for each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Revenue for the years ended 30 June 2022 and 30 June 2021 was affected by the first team’s pre-season tours being impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. |
| ● | Retail, Merchandising, Apparel & Product Licensing: We market and sell sports apparel, training and leisure wear and other clothing featuring the Manchester United brand on a global basis. In addition, we also sell other licensed products, from coffee mugs to bed spreads, featuring the Manchester United brand and trademarks. These products are distributed through Manchester United branded retail centers and e-commerce platforms, as well as our partners’ wholesale distribution channels. Our retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing revenue was £113.4 million, £109.9 million and £92.0 million for each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Revenue for the year ended 30 June 2021 was impacted by COVID-19 and the partial closure of the Old Trafford Megastore. |
Our Commercial revenue was £302.9 million, £257.8 million and £232.3 million for each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Our other two revenue sectors, Broadcasting and Matchday, ordinarily provide predictable cash flow and global media exposure that enables us to continue to invest in the success of the teams and expand our brand.
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| ● | Broadcasting: We benefit from the distribution of live football content directly from the revenue we receive and indirectly through increased global exposure for our commercial partners. Broadcasting revenue is derived from the global television rights relating to the Premier League, UEFA club competitions and other competitions. In addition, our wholly-owned global television channel, MUTV, delivers Manchester United programming to territories around the world. In addition to our broadcasting channel, we have also launched a MUTV D2C subscription mobile application which is available on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku and Xbox. Broadcasting revenue including, in some cases, prize money received by us in respect of various competitions, will vary from year to year as a result of variability in the amount of available prize money and the performance of our men’s first team in such competitions. Our Broadcasting revenue was £209.1 million, £214.9 million and £254.8 million for each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Revenue for the year ended 30 June 2021 includes the impact of ten matches related to 2019/20 competitions played at the start of fiscal 2021 following the deferral of all competitions as a result of COVID-19. |
| ● | Matchday: We believe Old Trafford is one of the world’s iconic sports venues. It seats 73,925 inclusive of accessible platforms accommodating 556 disabled supporters, and is the largest football club stadium in the United Kingdom. We have averaged over 99% of attendance capacity for our Premier League matches played in front of a crowd in each of the last 25 years. Matchday revenue will vary from year to year as a result of the number of home games played and the performance of our men’s first team in various competitions. Our Matchday revenue was £136.4 million, £110.5 million and £7.1 million for each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. COVID-19 had a significant impact on Matchday revenue for the year ended 30 June 2021, during which 33 out of 34 home matches were played behind closed doors. |
Total revenue for the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021 was £643.9 million, £583.2 million and £494.1 million, respectively.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe our key competitive strengths are:
· | One of the most successful sports teams in the world: Founded in 1878, Manchester United is one of the most successful sports teams in the world — playing one of the world’s most popular spectator sports. We have won 67 trophies in nine different leagues, competitions and cups since 1908. Our ongoing success is supported by our highly developed football infrastructure and global scouting network. |
· | A globally recognized brand with a large, worldwide following: Our 145-year history, our success and the global popularity of our sport have enabled us to become, we believe, one of the world’s most recognizable brands. We enjoy the support of our worldwide community of 1.1 billion fans and followers. The composition of our follower base is far reaching and diverse, transcending cultures, geographies, languages and socio-demographic groups, and we believe the strength of our brand goes beyond the world of sports. |
· | Ability to successfully monetize our brand: The popularity and quality of our globally recognized brand make us an attractive marketing partner for companies around the world. Our community of followers is strong in more emerging markets which enables us to deliver media exposure and growth to our partners in these markets. |
· | Well established marketing infrastructure driving Commercial revenue growth: We have a large global team dedicated to the development and monetization of our brand and to the sourcing of new revenue opportunities. The team has considerable experience and expertise in sponsorship sales, customer relationship management, marketing execution, advertising support and brand development. In addition, we have developed an increasing range of case studies, covering multiple sponsorship categories and geographies, which in combination with our many years’ experience enables us to demonstrate and deliver an effective set of marketing capabilities to our partners on a global and regional basis. Our team is dedicated to the development and monetization of our brand and to the sourcing of new revenue opportunities. |
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· | Sought-after content capitalizing on the proliferation of digital and social media: We produce content that is followed year-round by our global community of fans and followers. Our content distribution channels are international and diverse, and we actively adopt new media channels to enhance the accessibility and reach of our content. We believe our ability to generate proprietary and exclusive content, which we distribute on our own global platforms as well as via popular third-party social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, Sina Weibo and others, constitute an ongoing growth opportunity. We continue to grow our dominant presence on social media. Over the 2022/23 season, we generated over 1.9 billion interactions gained 18.8 million net new followers drew approximately 8 billion video views. We are the most-followed Premier League club on all major social media platforms. Following the successful D2C launch of MUTV on iOS, Android, and MUTV.com, and building on the global success of its linear distribution, in July 2018 we launched MUTV applications on ‘connected TV’ platforms – namely, AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Xbox. This gives our fans the ability to watch MUTV without a cable subscription. Existing subscribers to the MUTV mobile application and web platforms can access these new platforms for free via a universal login feature which allows the same credentials to be used across several devices. This continued expansion provides MUTV access to a new demographic of the club’s fan base. Recent figures show that connected TV usage is highest amongst young Millennials (born 1980 - 1995) and Generation Z (born after 1995), representing a growing trend of younger audiences accessing programming on over the top (“OTT”) platforms in place of traditional linear television. |
· | Seasoned management team and committed ownership: Our senior management has considerable experience and expertise in the football, commercial, media, legal and finance industries. |
Our Strategy
We aim to increase our revenue and profitability by expanding our high growth businesses that leverage our brand, global community and marketing infrastructure. The key elements of our strategy are:
· | Continue to invest in our team, facilities and other brand enhancing initiatives: Dating back to our first league championship in 1908 through present day, where we have earned a record number of English League titles, we have enjoyed a rich tradition of football excellence. We believe our many years of on field success coupled with an iconic stadium and high level of fan engagement has driven our leading global brand. We are well positioned to continue reinvesting our free cash flow in brand enhancing initiatives. Our brand begins with strong on-field performance, and we remain committed to attracting and retaining the highest quality players for our first teams and coaching staff. To maintain our high standard of performance we will continue to invest in our team. We will also continue to invest in our facilities, including the Old Trafford Stadium, to maintain the quality of service, enhance the fan experience and drive their high level of engagement and loyalty, such as the stadium-wide Wi-Fi network that we launched ahead of the 2023/24 season. We have undertaken several initiatives at Old Trafford to enhance our Matchday fan experience, revenue and profitability including restructuring the composition of our stadium, with a particular emphasis on developing premium seating and hospitality facilities. Our commitment to the fan experience has resulted in strong fan loyalty with over 99% average attendance for all of our Premier League games played in front of a crowd since the 1997/98 season other than the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons which were impacted by COVID-19 and related government regulations. Furthermore, we continue to invest in several other areas including our digital media assets and emerging markets to grow our global fan base and increase our ability to engage with our fans in multiple ways. We remain committed to investing in our team, our facilities and other initiatives to continue our many years of success and enhance our brand globally. We expect these initiatives will continue to be key drivers of our sales, profit and leading brand recognition going forward. |
· | Expansion and renewal of sponsors: We are well-positioned to continue to secure sponsorships with leading brands and further develop our relationships with existing sponsors. We have historically implemented a proactive approach to identifying, securing and supporting sponsors, including expanding our sponsorship team to bolster our analytical capabilities and effectiveness. We continue to place great emphasis on working with our existing sponsors and maintaining a strong renewals base. During fiscal year 2023, we announced five new global and regional partnerships and extensions to three existing partnerships. |
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· | Further develop our retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing business: On 21 July 2023, we extended our agreement with adidas with respect to our global technical sponsorship and dual-branded licensing rights, which began on 1 August 2015 and now terminates on 30 June 2035. The agreement with adidas does not include the rights with respect to mono-branded licensing rights or the right to create and operate Manchester United branded soccer schools, physical retail channels and e-commerce retail channels. In the future, we plan to invest to expand our portfolio of product licensees to enhance the range of product offerings available to our followers. Additionally, we may also seek to refine how we segment the different elements of this business. We may also increase our focus on developing these rights more proactively, alone or with other partners. |
Our e-commerce platform, ‘United Direct’ is currently operated under license by Fanatics in close partnership with Manchester United. We believe that the reach and engagement of our Media platform, when combined with our segmented product range, provides the platform for growth in this business.
· | Exploit digital media opportunities: The rapid shift of media consumption towards digital, mobile and social media platforms presents us with multiple growth opportunities and new revenue streams. Our digital media platforms, applications and social media channels are one of the primary methods by which we engage and transact with our fans around the world. We continue to evolve our media team’s capability to address these opportunities and deliver our strategic objectives. |
We maintain a D2C subscription mobile application which can be accessed via 476 TV or connected device manufacturers and as of May 2022 has been incorporated into our main mobile application. These applications have enabled us to directly access new overseas territories and develop our fan base further domestically.
The launch of MUTV D2C gave access to new demographics of the club’s fan base. Recent figures show that connected TV usage is highest amongst young Millennials (born 1985-1995) and Generation Z (born after 1995), representing a growing trend of younger audiences accessing programming on OTT platforms and services in place of traditional linear television.
We publish content on a daily basis on to the club’s website and mobile application. Our website provides commercial benefits for our business with greater e-commerce opportunities and more digital inventory for our commercial partners to benefit from. Our improved media products have driven a significant increase in registrations for our App and Website, up 75% from the 2021/22 season to the 2022/23 season. Subscriptions to our linear television network, MUTV, have also seen a significant increase, up 31% in fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022.
In addition, the proliferation of mobile devices has resulted in a need for our content to be consumed ‘on the go’ and in real time. The official mobile application builds upon the aforementioned benefits of the new website and increases the distribution of our content. We constantly iterate and improve the functionality of the club website and club mobile application, using fan insight and data to drive improvements which ultimately enhance our engagement with our fan base. Since launch, we have reached number one in the App Store’s sports category download charts in 110 markets around the world, top 10 within the sports category in 169 markets and currently have active users in over 230 markets globally.
In addition to developing our own digital properties, we intend to leverage third-party media platforms and other social media as a means of further engaging with our fans and creating a source of traffic for our digital media assets. Our digital media offerings are in the early stages of development and present opportunities for future growth.
Further, we continue to monitor the development of emerging technologies and how we can capitalize on these to create engaging fan experiences, which, in turn, can lead to new monetization opportunities. We have partnered with leading IT services company DXC as our new digital transformation partner. Across this multi-year global deal, DXC will use its expertise in digital transformation to improve the way we engage with fans through our digital platforms, including ManUtd.com and the Manchester United App by harnessing the power of data and analytics technologies.
The partnership with DXC follows the agreement with global technology company TeamViewer to become our principal shirt partner. Our partnership with TeamViewer provides the club with access to innovative remote connectivity software which has been implemented throughout the organization, helping individuals and teams save time, reduce travel and improve performance.
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The club also has partners who offer new fields of expertise as seen by our multi-year training kit partnership with blockchain Tezos. In the year ended 30 June 2023, we launched our digital collectibles range and launched our Discord community, providing a gateway to younger audiences. As part of the club’s partnership with Konami, Manchester United also now operates an official esports team, which is featured in global tournaments and provides new content and engagement opportunities for our platforms.
· | Enhance the reach and distribution of our broadcasting rights: We are well-positioned to benefit from any increased value and related growth in club distributions associated with the Premier League, the Champions League and other competitions. Season 2023/24 will be the second year of a three-year Premier League broadcasting rights cycle (2022/23 – 2024/25). All seven live UK packages were sold to the incumbent broadcasters – five to Sky Sports, one to BT Sport and the final one to Amazon Prime Video, which was a new entrant in the previous cycle. The value generated from the sale was consistent with the prior cycle and the terms were agreed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The international broadcasting rights for the new cycle represent a 28% uplift on the previous cycle, with international rights equaling domestic rights for the first time driven primarily by increases in North America and Europe. Overall growth for the current cycle is 16%. The ratio between the maximum and minimum broadcasting revenue that a club can receive from the Premier League in a season is capped at 1.8: 1. The international revenue growth has been allocated to merit payments, as this cap has not yet been reached, and will therefore benefit the higher placed teams. This was partially offset by an increase in the inflation rate in the UK. The Premier League inflate international equal share for inflation cycle-on-cycle before allocating growth to international merit payments. |
The UEFA club competition’s three-year media rights agreement which commenced in the 2021/22 season, is worth €3.5 billion per season, marking an increase of 9% on the previous contract. The new format is anticipated to drive increased revenues for the new cycle and UEFA are currently in the market for this cycle, commencing 2024/25.
We believe these contracts underline the continuing demand for, and popularity of, live sports content and football in particular. Unlike other television programming, the unpredictable outcomes of live sports ensure that individuals consume sports programming in real time and in full, resulting in higher audiences and increased interest from television broadcasters and advertisers.
Furthermore, MUTV, our global broadcasting platform, delivers Manchester United programming to territories around the world. We plan to continue to expand the distribution of MUTV supported by improving the quality of its content and its production capabilities.
COVID-19 resulted in the temporary postponement of the 2019/20 Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League competitions with matches suspended from 13 March 2020. The delay to 2019/20 season completion, and broadcast schedule changes to the season as a whole, had implications for the agreements between the Premier League and both UK and international broadcasters, resulting in a rebate due to broadcasters on the annual fees for the 2019/20 Season of £285 million. The mechanism for allocating the impact of the rebate resulted in a reduction of approximately £11 million to amounts we typically would have earned. Half of the cash impact of this rebate was deducted in the 2021/22 season and the remaining half was deducted in 2022/23. UEFA announced in its circular letter 75/2020 that gross revenues from the 2019/20 club competitions were adversely impacted by COVID-19 by a total amount of approximately €566 million, representing 16% of total revenues. This shortfall is being recouped against distributions to clubs who participate in their competitions over the five seasons from 2019/20 through to 2023/24. The reduction for each individual club is calculated in proportion to each individual club’s related revenue and therefore depends upon competition participation and progress. For 2022/23 UEFA competitions, we have not accrued a rebate based on correspondence with UEFA that a potential surplus from the 2022/23 season will offset this amount.
· | Diversify revenue and improve margins: We aim to increase the revenue and operating margins of our business as we further expand our high growth commercial businesses, including sponsorship, retail, merchandising and licensing. |
Our Market Opportunity
We believe that we are one of the world’s most recognizable global brands with a community of 1.1 billion fans and followers. Manchester United is at the forefront of live football, which is a key component of the global sports market.
Other markets driving our business include the global advertising market, the global pay television market and the global apparel market.
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While our business represents only a small portion of our addressable markets and may not grow at a corresponding rate, we believe our global reach and access to emerging markets position us for continued growth.
Our Men’s Team’s History
Founded in 1878 as Newton Heath L&YR Football Club, our club has operated for over 145 years. The team first entered the English First Division, then the highest league in English football, for the start of the 1892/93 season. Our club name changed to Manchester United Football Club in 1902, and we won the first of our 20 English League titles in 1908. In 1910, we moved to Old Trafford, our current stadium.
In the late 1940s, we returned to on-field success, winning the FA Cup in 1948 and finishing within the top four league positions during each of the first five seasons immediately following the Second World War. During the 1950s, we continued our on-field success under the leadership of manager Sir Matt Busby, who built a popular and famous team based on youth players known as the “Busby Babes.”
In February 1958, an airplane crash resulted in the death of eight of our men’s first team players. Global support and tributes followed this disaster as Busby galvanized the team around such popular players as George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law. Rebuilding of the club culminated with a victory in the 1968 European Cup final, becoming the first English club to win this title.
This storied history preceded the highly successful modern era of Manchester United which began in earnest in 1986 when the club appointed Sir Alex Ferguson as manager, and in 1990 we won the FA Cup and began a long period of sustained success winning the Premier League title a record 13 times. In total, we have won a record 20 English League titles, 12 FA Cups, 6 EFL Cups, 3 European/Champions League Cups, 1 European Europa League Cup, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup, making us one of the most successful clubs in England.
At the end of the 2012/13 season, Sir Alex Ferguson retired as team manager. Sir Alex remains a key member of the club as he is a director of Manchester United Football Club Limited.
Our current team manager, Erik ten Hag, began his role in May 2022 and was appointed on a three-year contract with an option to extend for a further year. Erik ten Hag previously managed Ajax where he won the Eredivisie on three occasions, the KNVB Cup twice and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2018/19.
Since the inception of the Premier League in 1992, our club has enjoyed consistent success and growth with popular players such as Bryan Robson, Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and David de Gea. The popularity of these players, our distinguished tradition and history, and the on-field success of our men’s first team have allowed us to expand the club into a global brand with an international follower base.
Our Old Trafford stadium, commonly known as “The Theatre of Dreams,” was originally opened on 19 February 1910 with a capacity of approximately 80,000. During the Second World War, Old Trafford was used by the military as a depot, and on 11 March 1941 was heavily damaged by a German bombing raid. The stadium was rebuilt following the war and re-opened on 24 August 1949. The addition of floodlighting, permitting evening matches, was completed in 1957 and a project to cover the stands with roofs was completed in 1959. After a series of additions during the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, capacity at Old Trafford reached 56,385 in 1985. The conversion of the stadium to an all-seater reduced capacity to approximately 44,000 by 1992, the lowest in its history. Thereafter, we began to expand capacity throughout the stadium, bringing capacity to approximately 58,000 by 1996, approximately 68,000 by 2000, and over 74,000 in 2006. Currently, Old Trafford seats 73,925 supporters.
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The following chart shows the historical success of our men’s first team by trophies won:
TROPHIES WON
Premier League/Football League |
|
| |||||||||||||
Division One | FA Charity/Community Shield | ||||||||||||||
1908 |
| 1965 |
| 1997 |
| 2007 | 1908 |
| 1967 |
| 1996 |
| 2011 | ||
1911 |
| 1967 |
| 1999 |
| 2008 |
| 1911 | 1977 | 1997 | 2013 | ||||
1952 |
| 1993 |
| 2000 |
| 2009 |
| 1952 | 1983 | 2003 | 2016 | ||||
1956 |
| 1994 |
| 2001 |
| 2011 |
| 1956 | 1990 | 2007 | |||||
1957 |
| 1996 |
| 2003 |
| 2013 |
| 1957 | 1993 | 2008 | |||||
| 1965 | 1994 | 2010 | ||||||||||||
FA Cup |
| EFL/Football League Cup | |||||||||||||
1909 |
| 1977 |
| 1990 |
| 1999 | 1992 | 2010 | |||||||
1948 |
| 1983 |
| 1994 |
| 2004 | 2006 | 2017 | |||||||
1963 |
| 1985 |
| 1996 |
| 2016 | 2009 | 2023 | |||||||
European Cup/Champions League |
| Europa League | |||||||||||||
1968 |
| 1999 |
| 2008 |
| 2017 | |||||||||
FIFA Club World Cup |
| UEFA Super Cup | |||||||||||||
2008 |
| 1991 | |||||||||||||
European Cup Winners’ Cup |
| Intercontinental Cup | |||||||||||||
1991 |
| 1999 | |||||||||||||
Industry Overview
Football is one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth and global follower interest has enabled the sport to commercialize its activities through sponsorship, retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing, broadcasting, and Matchday. As a consequence, football constitutes a significant portion of the overall global sports industry, according to AT Kearney.
Football’s growth and increasing popularity is primarily a product of consumer demand for and interest in live sports, whether viewed in person at the venue or through television and digital media. The sport’s revenue growth has been driven by the appetite among consumers, advertisers and media distributors for access to and association with these live sports events, in particular those featuring globally recognized teams.
The major football leagues and clubs in England, Germany, Spain, Italy and France have established themselves as the leading global entities due to their history as well as their highly developed television and advertising markets, according to AT Kearney. The combination of historical success and media development in the core European markets has helped to drive revenue, which in turn enables those leagues to attract the best players in the world, further strengthening their appeal to followers.
As television and digital media such as broadband internet and mobile extend their reach globally, the availability of and access to live games and other content of the leading European leagues has increased and live games are now viewed worldwide. In addition, advances in new technology continue to both improve the television and digital media user experience and the effectiveness of sponsorships and advertising on these platforms. These trends further strengthen the commercial benefit of associating with football for media distributors and advertisers and increase the global opportunities for the sport.
League Structure
Manchester United is a member of the English Premier League, the top league in the United Kingdom, which has been, for a long time, and continues to be, one of the elite leagues in the world.
The Premier League is a private company wholly-owned by its 20 member clubs, with responsibility for the competition, its Rule Book, the centralized broadcasting rights and other commercial rights. The Premier League works proactively with the member clubs and other football authorities domestically and internationally including the Football Association, UEFA and FIFA. Each member club is an independent shareholder of the Premier League and works within the rules of football defined by the various governing bodies.
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Governing Bodies
Manchester United operates under three different levels of governing bodies, ranging from worldwide to continental to national jurisdiction.
FIFA is the international governing body of football around the world. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, FIFA is responsible for the regulation, promotion and development of football worldwide. All football played at any level must abide by the Laws of the Game, as set forth by FIFA. FIFA’s rules and regulations are decided by the International Football Association Board (“IFAB”) and reviewed on an annual basis. FIFA also sets the international fixture calendar which, along with European and domestic cup dates, takes precedence over the domestic football league.
UEFA is a competition organizer and is responsible for the organization and regulation of cross-border football in Europe. UEFA is primarily known for its European club competitions, the Champions League, the Europa League, and the Europa Conference League. Currently the Premier League gets four teams into the Champions League, two into the Europa League and one into the Europa Conference League. The representative structures for UEFA are primarily national association-based with the FA representing English football on numerous committees.
The FA is the national governing body for football in England and is responsible for sanctioning competition Rule Books, including the Premier League’s, and regulating on-field matters. The FA also organizes the FA Cup competition, in which the 20 Premier League member clubs participate. The FA is a special shareholder of the Premier League that has the ability to exercise a vote on certain specific issues, but has no role in the day-to-day running of the league. Each year the Premier League submits its rules to the FA for approval and sanction. For the Premier League, the FA ensures that throughout the season the Laws of the Game are applied on the field by officials, clubs and players including on- and off-field discipline. The FA is also involved in refereeing, youth development and the United Kingdom’s largest sports charity, the Football Foundation.
Our Football Operations
Our football operations are primarily comprised of the following activities: our men’s first team, our youth academy, our global scouting networks, our women’s team and other operations such as our sport science, medical and fitness operations at Carrington.
Men’s first team
Our men’s first team plays professional football in the Premier League, domestic cup competitions in England including the FA Cup and EFL Cup and, subject to qualifying, international cup competitions, including the Champions League.
Our men’s first team is led by our manager Erik ten Hag, supported by his Assistant Coaches Mitchell Van der Gaag and Steve McClaren and Football Director John Murtough. They are all supported by a team of over 225 individuals, including coaches and scouts for our men’s first team and youth academy, medical and physiotherapy staff, sports science and performance and match analysis staff.
We have 60 players under contract of whom 32 have made an appearance for our men’s first team. The remaining players may play for the youth academy teams but are being developed such that they may make it to a starting position on our men’s first team or the first team of other clubs. This structure has been put in place with the aim of developing some of the world’s best football players and maximizing our men’s first team’s chances of winning games, leagues and tournaments.
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Domestic transfers of players between football clubs are governed by the Premier League Rules and the FA Rules, which allow a professional player to enter into a contract with and be registered to play for any club, and to receive a signing-on fee in connection with such contract. Players are permitted to move to another club during the term of their contract if both clubs agree on such transfer. In such circumstances a compensation fee may be payable by the transferee club. FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (the “FIFA Regulations”) govern international transfers of players between clubs and may require the transferee club to distribute 5% of any compensation fee to the clubs that trained the relevant player. In addition, a 4% levy on any such compensation fee would also be payable to the Premier League. The transferor club in an international transfer may also be entitled to receive payment of “training compensation” under the FIFA Regulations when certain conditions are met. If an out-of-contract player (i.e. a player whose contract with a club has expired or has been terminated) wishes to play for another club, the player’s former club will be entitled to a compensation fee if certain conditions are satisfied. For a domestic transfer, these include conditions regarding the player’s age and requiring the former club to offer the player a new contract on terms which are no less favorable than his current contract. For an international transfer, these include conditions regarding the player’s age only. Subject to limited exceptions, transfers of professional players may only take place during one of the “transfer windows,” which for the Premier League is ordinarily a mid-season winter transfer window during the month of January, and a post-season summer transfer window spanning a maximum of twelve weeks throughout June and August. The summer 2023 transfer window began on 14 June 2023 and ran through until 1 September 2023.
Our players enter into contracts with us that follow a prescribed model based on FA and Premier League rules. Players on our men’s first team typically also enter into an image rights agreement with us, which grants us enhanced rights and protections with respect to use of their image. Our men’s first team players generally enter into contracts of between two and five years’ duration.
As of 5 September 2023, our men’s first team(1) was comprised of the following players:
Player |
| Position |
| Nationality |
| Age |
| Apps(2) |
| Caps(3) |
|
Altay Bayindir | Goalkeeper | Turkish | 26 | 0 | 5 | ||||||
Tom Heaton | Goalkeeper | English | 37 | 3 | 3 | ||||||
Andre Onana | Goalkeeper | Cameroonian | 27 | 4 | 34 | ||||||
Diogo Dalot | Defender | Portuguese | 24 | 110 | 12 | ||||||
Jonny Evans | Defender | Northern Irish | 35 | 199 | 102 | ||||||
Alvaro Fernandez(4) | Defender | Spanish | 20 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Victor Lindelof | Defender | Swedish | 29 | 234 | 59 | ||||||
Harry Maguire | Defender | English | 30 | 176 | 57 | ||||||
Tyrell Malacia | Defender | Dutch | 24 | 39 | 9 | ||||||
Lisandro Martinez | Defender | Argentinian | 25 | 49 | 16 | ||||||
Sergio Reguilon(5) | Defender | Spanish | 26 | 0 | 6 | ||||||
Luke Shaw | Defender | English | 28 | 262 | 31 | ||||||
Raphael Varane | Defender | French | 30 | 66 | 93 | ||||||
Aaron Wan-Bissaka | Defender | English | 25 | 164 | 0 | ||||||
Brandon Williams(4) | Defender | English | 22 | 50 | 0 | ||||||
Sofyan Amrabat(5) | Midfielder | Moroccan | 27 | 0 | 49 | ||||||
Carlos Casemiro | Midfielder | Brazilian | 31 | 55 | 71 | ||||||
Amad Diallo | Midfielder | Ivorian | 21 | 9 | 4 | ||||||
Christian Eriksen | Midfielder | Danish | 31 | 48 | 122 | ||||||
Bruno Fernandes | Midfielder | Portuguese | 28 | 189 | 57 | ||||||
Kobbie Mainoo | Midfielder | English | 18 | 1 | - | ||||||
Scott McTominay | Midfielder | Scottish | 26 | 211 | 41 | ||||||
Hannibal Mejbri | Midfielder | Tunisian | 20 | 3 | 24 | ||||||
Mason Mount | Midfielder | English | 24 | 2 | 36 | ||||||
Facundo Pellestri | Midfielder | Uruguayan | 21 | 12 | 12 | ||||||
Donny van de Beek | Midfielder | Dutch | 26 | 60 | 19 | ||||||
Antony dos Santos | Midfielder | Brazilian | 23 | 48 | 16 | ||||||
Alejandro Garnacho | Forward | Argentinian | 19 | 33 | 2 | ||||||
Mason Greenwood(4) | Forward | English | 21 | 129 | 1 | ||||||
Rasmus Hojlund | Forward | Danish | 20 | 1 | 6 | ||||||
Anthony Martial | Forward | French | 27 | 301 | 30 | ||||||
Marcus Rashford | Forward | English | 25 | 363 | 53 | ||||||
Jadon Sancho | Forward | English | 23 | 82 | 23 | ||||||
Shola Shoretire | Forward | English | 19 | 5 | 0 |
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Women’s team
The club launched its first professional women’s team in the 2018/19 season, winning the FA Women’s Championship in their first season thereby securing promotion to the FA Women’s Super League (the top tier in England). The team finished in 2nd place in the 2022/23 season, qualifying for the 2023/24 UEFA Women’s Champions League, as well as reaching the Women’s FA Cup final. Currently led by Head Coach Marc Skinner, our aims are to contribute to the growth of the women’s game, to develop a team capable of competing at the highest level in the women’s game both domestically and in Europe which has a core consisting of players who have graduated from our long-established and highly successful Manchester United Girls’ Regional Talent Club, and to offer academy players a clear route to top level football within the club. 8 players from our Women’s team represented their countries at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup including 3 that were part of the England squad that reached the final.
Youth academy
The aim of our youth academy is to create a flow of talent from the youth teams up to our men’s first team and we are proud to have included a home grown player in every matchday squad for the last eighty-five years. Developing academy players is embedded as part of the history and culture of our club, and also means that we can avoid the expense of purchasing players in those positions from the transfer market. As part of their development plan for reaching our first team, our academy players may be loaned to other clubs such that they gain first team experience elsewhere. This also enables these players to enhance their standing and value within the game, and those who do not make it into our men’s first team frequently achieve places at other professional football clubs, often generating income for the club through transfer fees as a result.
Our youth academy program consists of 10 junior teams ranging from under 9s to under 23s. Each team consists of 15 to 30 players, each of whom takes part in an age specific elite player development and games program during the season.
Scouting network
Together with our youth academy, our scouting system is another source of our football talent. Through our scouting system, we recruit players for both our men’s first team and youth academy. Our scouting system consists of a professional network of staff who scout in general and for specific positions and age groups.
As well as being an established domestic network that allows us to identify and attract the best talent within Manchester and England, we have an enhanced scouting infrastructure, with a presence in all major footballing nations. We believe this will enhance our ability to identify and recruit the best players for our academy and first team for many years to come.
Training facilities
We have invested significant resources into developing a performance center which contains advanced sports and science equipment. We have highly experienced training staff working at the performance center, where we provide physiotherapy, bio-mechanical analysis and nutritional guidance to our players as part of our drive to ensure that each player is able to achieve peak physical condition. We believe the quality of our performance center differentiates our club from many of our competitors. Fiscal year 2023 has seen a refurbishment and upgrade program take place including the swimming pool, gymnasium and associated facilities as well as office relocations and improvements.
Revenue Sectors
Commercial
Within the Commercial revenue sector, we monetize our brand via two revenue streams: sponsorship; and retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing. The primary source of revenue in this sector comes from sponsorship, which allows highly diverse and global companies to partner with Manchester United, regionally or internationally, in order to realize sponsorship benefits and associate themselves with our brand.
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Sponsorship
Our sponsorship agreements are negotiated directly by our commercial team. Our sponsors are granted various rights, which can include:
| ● | rights in respect of our brand, logo and other intellectual property; |
| ● | rights in respect of our player and manager imagery; |
| ● | exposure on our television platform, MUTV; |
| ● | exposure on our website and mobile application; |
| ● | exposure on our club branded social media channels; |
| ● | exposure on digital perimeter advertising boards at Old Trafford; |
| ● | exposure on interview backdrops; and |
| ● | the right to administer promotions targeted at customers whose details are stored on our CRM database. |
Any use of our intellectual property rights by sponsors is under license. However, we retain the ownership rights to our intellectual property.
Sponsorship development and strategy
We pursue our sponsorship deals through a developed infrastructure for commercial activities. We have a dedicated sales team that focuses on developing commercial opportunities and sourcing new sponsors. We target potential sponsors that we believe will benefit from association with our brand and have the necessary financial resources to support an integrated marketing relationship. By cultivating strong relationships with our sponsors, we generate significant revenue and leverage our sponsors’ co-branded marketing strategies to further grow our brand. We are successful in executing a geographic and product categorized approach to selling our sponsorship rights.
We offer category exclusivity on a global basis to companies within particular industries, such as beverage, logistics and hotels. We also offer sponsorship exclusivity within a particular geography for certain industries, such as travel.
In seeking any individual partnership, we aim to establish an indicative value for that sponsorship based on the prospective sponsor’s industry and marketing objectives. We will only pursue a sponsorship if we believe it reflects the value that we deliver. Our current strategy is to focus more closely on larger, established global brands rather than regional partnerships.
We believe that certain key sectors play an active role in sports sponsorship. We have sponsors in a number of these sectors and we believe that there is significant potential to expand this platform by selectively targeting companies within the remaining sectors and by growing revenue in existing sectors through additional sponsorship arrangements. High growth markets such as Asia, which we expect to be a key focus for many of our prospective sponsors, are an important element of our sponsorship efforts.
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Our sponsors
The following graph shows our annual sponsorship revenue for each of the last five fiscal years:
Sponsorship Revenue
Note: Sponsorship revenue does not include revenue generated from our agreement with adidas.
The table below highlights some of our global and regional sponsors as of 1 July 2023:
Sponsor |
| Type of sponsorship |
| Product category |
Apollo Tyres | Global sponsor | Tyres | ||
Betfred | Global sponsor | Betting | ||
Canon Medical Systems | Global sponsor | Medical scanners | ||
Chivas | Global sponsor | Spirits | ||
Concha y Toro | Global sponsor | Wine | ||
DHL | Global sponsor | Logistics | ||
Doo Group | Global sponsor | Online financial trading | ||
Ecolab | Global sponsor | B2B Hygiene Products, Food Safety, Pest Management and Water Treatment Services | ||
Extreme Networks | Global Sponsor | Wi-Fi | ||
General Motors (Chevrolet) | Global sponsor | Automobiles | ||
DXC | Global sponsor (sleeve) | Digital platform development | ||
Kohler | Global sponsor | Kitchen and bathroom fixtures and generators | ||
Konami | Global sponsor | Football computer games | ||
Malta Tourism | Global sponsor | Destination Partner | ||
Marriott | Global sponsor | Hotels | ||
Maui Jim | Global sponsor | Eyewear | ||
Melitta | Global sponsor | Coffee | ||
Mlily | Global sponsor | Mattresses and pillows | ||
Mondelez | Global sponsor | Confectionary, sweet biscuits, cakes and savory crackers | ||
Qualcomm | Global sponsor | Technology | ||
Spectrum (Remington) | Global sponsor | Electronic grooming | ||
TeamViewer | Global sponsor (shirt) | Remote connectivity software | ||
Tezos | Global sponsor | Blockchain | ||
Therabody | Global sponsor | Percussive therapy devices | ||
Clarity Sports | Regional sponsor | Travel | ||
Dream Set Go | Regional sponsor | Travel | ||
Estée Lauder | Regional sponsor | Skincare | ||
Hong Kong Jockey Club | Regional sponsor | Racecourses and private members’ clubs |
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Global, regional and supplier sponsors
In addition to revenue from our shirt sponsor TeamViewer and training kit partner Tezos, we generated a further £123.1 million in the year ended 30 June 2023 from other global, regional and other sponsors. The length of these sponsorship deals is generally between two and five years. The majority of these sponsorship deals have minimum revenue guarantees and some have additional revenue sharing arrangements.
Global sponsors are granted certain marketing and promotional rights with respect to our brand and intellectual property as well as exposure on our media, such as digital perimeter boards at Old Trafford, MUTV and our website. These rights are granted on a global basis and are exclusive by category. Regional sponsors are granted certain marketing and promotional rights and media exposure, however, these rights are granted for a limited number of territories. Regional sponsors are able to use the rights in their designated territory on an exclusive basis, however they are not granted global category exclusivity.
Financial services affinity sponsorship
There is a significant growth opportunity to further develop Manchester United branded financial services products. These financial services products include credit cards and debit cards, which we believe represent key commercial opportunities within the financial services sector, and also serve as a means of follower expression and loyalty. Depending on the product category, we may pursue affinity agreements on a territory specific or regional basis. Examples of our financial services affinity sponsors include Co-operative Bank (Myanmar), Emirates NBD Bank (UAE), Eurobank (Serbia), Guild Technology Inc. (US), ICICI (India), Invex (Mexico), Krungsri (Thailand), Maybank Group (Malaysia), Shinsei (Japan) and Virgin Money (UK).
Exhibition games and promotional tours
We conduct exhibition games and promotional tours on a global basis. Our promotional tours enable us to engage with our followers, support the marketing objectives of our sponsors and extend the reach of our brand in strategic markets. The tour matches are broadcast and/or streamed live to subscribers of MUTV. These promotional tours are in addition to our competitive matches and take place during the summer months or during gaps in the football season. Over the last 6 years, we played 29 exhibition games in Australia, China, Ireland, Norway, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States. We normally receive a guaranteed fee for such tours. We also generate revenue from tour sponsorship opportunities sold to existing and new partners.
Commercial income from the Premier League
In addition to revenue from contracts that we negotiate ourselves, we receive revenue from commercial arrangements negotiated collectively by the Premier League on behalf of its member teams. Income from these commercial contracts negotiated by the Premier League is shared equally between the clubs that are to be in the Premier League for the season to which the income relates. Our pro rata income received from the other commercial contracts negotiated by the Premier League is not material to the Company’s results of operations.
Retail, Merchandising, Apparel & Product Licensing
Unlike American teams in the NFL, MLB and NHL, Manchester United retains full control of the use and monetization of its intellectual property rights worldwide in the areas of retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing.
Our retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing business includes the sale of sports apparel, training and leisure wear and other clothing featuring Manchester United brands as well as other licensed products from high fashion and luxury products to children’s toys and household items such as mugs and bedspreads. These products are distributed on a global basis through Manchester United branded retail stores and e-commerce platform, as well as through our partners’ wholesale distribution channels.
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Subsequent to the balance sheet date, on 21 July 2023, the Group signed a 10-year extension to its agreement with adidas which began on 1 August 2015 and now terminates on 30 June 2035. The minimum guarantee payable over the term of this extended agreement is £750 million per the original term and an additional £900 million due under the extension, resulting in a total of £1,650 million, subject to certain adjustments. Payments due in a particular year may increase dependent on performance in league, domestic and continental competitions, with the maximum possible increase being £4.4 million per annum. Payments may decrease if the men’s first team fails to participate in the UEFA Champions League. Under the original term, if the men’s first team did not participate in the UEFA Champions League for two or more consecutive seasons, a deduction of 30% was made in the second or other consecutive year of non-participation. As a result of the men’s first team qualifying for the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League, no deductions are due under the original term to 30 June 2025. Under the extended term, this clause has been amended to state that a £10 million deduction will be applied for each year of non-participation in the UEFA Champions League, commencing from the 2025/26 season.
The minimum guarantee from adidas does not include mono-branded licensing rights or the right to create and operate Manchester United branded soccer schools, physical retail channels and e-commerce retail channels, which rights may generate additional revenue for the club. We may also benefit from additional royalty payments upon exceeding a threshold of sales.
The agreement with adidas is subject to reciprocal termination provisions in respect of material breach and insolvency. Adidas may reduce the applicable payments for a year by 50% if the men’s first team is not participating in the English Premier League during that year. In addition, adidas may terminate the agreement by giving one full-season’s notice if the men’s first team is relegated from the English Premier League or if it is otherwise determined that the men’s first team shall not be participating in the Premier League or the top English league.
The Manchester United match jersey and training wear collections are completely redesigned for each season by adidas. The annual launch of the new jerseys is always a much-anticipated day for our global community of followers. The result is a robust adidas collection apparel business.
In addition to our adidas collection, we have a number of premium brands utilizing Manchester United intellectual property for the creation of dual-branded merchandise, where we receive a royalty payment and a sponsorship fee from the partner.
Retail
We operate our flagship retail store at the Old Trafford stadium, which ordinarily trades year-round, and not just on Matchdays. In addition to the Old Trafford store, we have a Manchester United branded retail location in Macau (which is operated under franchise by a third-party licensee).
Merchandising & product licensing
We grant product licenses across a wide range of Manchester United products which are highly sought after by our followers around the world. Under our product licensing agreements, we receive royalties from the sales of specific Manchester United branded products. Under some product licensing agreements, we receive a minimum guaranteed payment from the licensee. The majority of licenses are granted on a non-exclusive rights basis for specific product categories, within a specific country or geographic region.
E-commerce
We currently have arrangements in place whereby Fanatics has been granted separate licenses to use our brand and/or trademarks to operate the official online store, branded as “United Direct”, in the United States and the rest of the world. The online store sells a range of Manchester United branded merchandise including official replica kit and other clothing from adidas. In addition, the online store offers a broad range of other apparel, equipment such as balls, luggage and other accessories, homewares such as bedroom, kitchen and bathroom accessories, and collectibles, souvenirs and other gifts. We currently receive a percentage of net sales from the online store as a royalty payment.
We believe there is a significant opportunity for us to expand our e-commerce capabilities through improved leverage of our digital media platform, and focusing on delivering a tailored digital shopping experience at a regional level. Specifically, we intend to improve our ability to offer targeted merchandise to our followers, complemented by more efficient fulfillment mechanics, including product delivery, availability and payment methods.
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Broadcasting
Central Media
The Premier League and UEFA negotiate their own media rights contracts independently of the participating clubs. In respect of the Premier League, media agreements are typically three years in duration (although some longer deals have been agreed in certain overseas territories) and are centrally negotiated and entered into with media distributors by the Premier League on behalf of the member clubs. Under the agreements, Broadcasting revenue for each season is typically shared between the clubs that are to be in the Premier League for that season and a part-share for the clubs that were relegated from the Premier League in the previous four seasons. After certain deductions approved by the Premier League (for example, donations to “grass roots” football development and other causes), the income from the sale of the domestic broadcasting rights is allocated to the current and relegated clubs according to a formula based on, among other things, finishing position in the league and the number of live television appearances. Under the current Premier League broadcasting cycle which commenced in the 2022/23 season, international broadcasting rights are fixed at the previous cycle’s equal share adjusted for inflation. The increase in rights values above this are allocated to the twenty Premier League clubs based upon finishing position in the league.
COVID-19 resulted in the postponement of the 2019/20 Premier League, UEFA competitions and FA Cup competition with matches suspended from 13 March 2020. The delay to 2019/20 season completion, and broadcast schedule changes to the season as a whole, had implications for the agreements between the Premier League and both UK and international broadcasters, resulting in a rebate due to broadcasters on the annual fees for the 2019/20 Season of £285 million. The mechanism for allocating the impact of the rebate on individual clubs was approved by the 20 Premier League clubs and resulted in a reduction of approximately £11 million to amounts we typically would have earned. Half of the cash impact of this rebate was deducted from distributions to clubs in the 2021/22 season and the remaining half was deducted in 2022/23.
In the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League, media agreements are also typically three years in duration and are collectively negotiated and entered into by UEFA on behalf of the participating clubs. Each club receives a fixed amount for qualifying for the group stage plus bonuses based on performance. Further fixed amounts are received for participation in the knock-out rounds; knockout play off (Europa League and Europa Conference League only), round of 16, quarter-final, and semi-final. The runner-up and winner of the competition also earn additional amounts.
For the current 3-year agreement (which commenced in the 2021/22 season) amounts are distributed to each club as follows:
Champions | Europa |
| Europa Conference | ||||||
League (“UCL”) | League (“UEL”) | League (“UECL”) | |||||||
€’million | €’million |
| €’million | ||||||
Bonus for group stage participation | € | 15.65 | € | 3.63 |
| € | 2.94 | ||
Bonus for each group stage win (maximum 6) | € | 2.80 | € | 0.63 | € | 0.50 | |||
Bonus for each group stage draw(1) | € | 0.93 | € | 0.21 | € | 0.17 | |||
Bonus for group runners-up |
| N/A | € | 0.55 | € | 0.33 | |||
Bonus for group winners |
| N/A | € | 1.10 | € | 0.65 | |||
Bonus for knockout round play-off participation |
| N/A | € | 0.50 | € | 0.30 | |||
Bonus for round of 16 participation | € | 9.60 | € | 1.20 | € | 0.60 | |||
Bonus for quarter-final participation | € | 10.60 | € | 1.80 | € | 1.00 | |||
Bonus for semi-final participation | € | 12.50 | € | 2.80 | € | 2.00 | |||
Runner-up bonus (inclusive of ticketing revenue share) | € | 15.50 | € | 4.60 | € | 3.00 | |||
Winner bonus (inclusive of ticketing revenue share) | € | 20.0 | € | 8.60 | € | 5.00 | |||
Maximum total of the above | € | 85.14 | € | 22.91 | € | 15.19 | |||
| (1) | In the event of a draw, the non-distributed balance will be aggregated and split among the clubs that won matches at the group stage in proportion to the number of matches won. |
In August of each season, the previous season’s Champions League winner and Europa League winner will play in the UEFA Super Cup where each team can expect to receive a further €3.5 million participation fee, with the winner receiving an additional €1.0 million.
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Total fixed distribution amounts are €1.101 billion for Champions League, €255.8 million for Europa League and €188 million for the Europa Conference League. In addition to the fixed amounts, UEFA allocates monies to a market pool which is also distributed to clubs who reach the group-stage and beyond. The total market pool for the Champions League is €300.3 million per annum and the total coefficient ranking allocation is €600.6 million per annum giving a combined annual total of €900.9 million. The total market pool for the Europa League is €139.5 million per annum and the total coefficient ranking allocation is €69.8 million per annum giving a combined annual total of €209.3 million. The total market pool for the Europa Conference League is €23.5 million per annum and the total coefficient ranking allocation is €23.5 million per annum giving a combined annual total of €47 million.
The individual club coefficient is determined by reference to past performance in UEFA club competitions over a ten-year period with additional points for historical winners of UEFA club competitions. On the basis of these parameters, a ranking has been established. The total Champions League amount of €600.6 million is divided into ‘coefficient shares’, with each share worth €1.137 million. The lowest-ranked team will receive one share (€1.14 million). One share will be added to every rank and so the highest-ranked team will receive 32 shares (€36.38 million). The total Europa League amount of €69.8 million is divided into ‘coefficient shares’, with each share worth €132,000. The lowest-ranked team will receive one share (€132,000). One share will be added to every rank and so the highest-ranked team will receive 32 shares (€4.22 million). The total Europa Conference League amount of €23.5 million is divided into ‘coefficient shares’, with each share worth €44,500. The lowest-ranked team will receive one share (€44,500). One share will be added to every rank and so the highest-ranked team will receive 32 shares (€1.42 million).
The market pool for each country is calculated based on the proportional value of its broadcasting agreements with UEFA relative to the total value of broadcasting agreements from all countries represented at the group stage. The total English market pool for the 2022/23 Europa League competition, in which Manchester United participated, was approximately €15 million. This amount can vary from season to season subject to the composition of the clubs taking part in the group stage. 50% of each country market pool is distributed to its group-stage representatives based on each club’s domestic performance in the previous season. For the Champions League this is based on league finishing position. For the Europa League this is based on league finishing position and potentially both domestic cup competitions (the winners of the FA Cup, if participating in the Europa League, earn the highest share). Any club which qualifies for the Champions League group-stage by virtue of winning the Europa League in the previous season does not receive a distribution of the 50% market pool based on domestic performance in the previous season. England has one spot in the Europa Conference League, against which 100% of fixed market pool monies are allocated.
The remaining 50% of the market pool is distributed as follows:
| ● | for the Champions League, based on the number of games played in the current competition relative to teams from the same country. |
| ● | for the Europa League, split across each round of the competition (40% to the group stage, 15% to the round of 32, 20% to the round of 16, 13% to the quarter-finals, 8% to the semi-finals and 4% to the final) which is distributed to teams who participate in the relevant round based on the proportional value of the country broadcasting rights relative to the value of all broadcasting agreements for countries represented at each stage. |
| ● | for the Europa Conference League, split across each round of the competition (40% to the group stage, 15% to the round of 32, 20% to the round of 16, 13% to the quarter-finals, 8% to the semi-finals and 4% to the final) which is distributed to teams who participate in the relevant round based on the proportional value of the country broadcasting rights relative to the value of all broadcasting agreements for countries represented at each stage. |
Broadcasting revenue including, in some cases, prize money received by us in respect of various competitions, will vary from year to year as a result of variability in the amount of available prize money and the performance of our men’s first team in such competitions.
UEFA announced in its circular letter 75/2020 that gross revenues from the 2019/20 club competitions were adversely impacted by COVID-19 by a total amount of approximately €566 million, representing 16% of total revenues. This shortfall is being recouped against distributions to clubs who participate in their competitions over the five seasons from 2019/20 through to 2023/24. As a result, going forward through to season 2023/24, we expect approximately a 3.5% annual reduction to the above distributions. The reduction for each individual club is calculated in proportion to each individual club’s related revenue and is therefore dependent upon competition participation and progress.
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Digital media
Our website,ManUtd.com, is published in seven languages and is available globally. We use our website, which incorporates e-commerce services and venue microsites (United Events, Exec Club, Foundation, Matchday VIP), to communicate with our followers, promote the Manchester United brand and provide a platform for our sponsors to reach a global audience. Our website is designed with a mobile first approach, with content including exclusive articles, exclusive videos, real-time match updates, live blogging capabilities, social integration and sharing capabilities, improved search and discoverability, content recommendations, fan polls, voting trivia and statistics.
The proliferation of digital television, broadband and fibre internet, smartphones, mobile applications and social media globally provides our business with many opportunities to extend the reach of our content. Specifically, we intend to use our digital media platforms to generate value through extended sponsor positioning, driving e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer opportunities, including selling premium services such as video and exclusive content subscriptions. We will also continue to leverage our digital media platform to generate customer data and information as well as follower profiles of commercial value to us, our sponsors and our media partners. We believe that in the future, digital media will be one of the primary means through which we engage and interact with our follower base. Recent measures to improve the fan digital experience include: single sign-on (SSO) on our United Direct site whereby now a single login is required; improving security; enhancing the design of our United Direct site to improve the user experience and reducing our environmental footprint.
Content and localization
Our digital media properties are an increasingly important means through which we engage with our fan base, domestically and internationally. To take advantage of that opportunity, we are constantly developing our premium, localized and exclusive content to enhance the proposition for our followers, members and paid subscribers around the world.
Our followers generally prefer to consume our content in their language and context. We believe we can effectively deliver tailored services to our followers globally through various language offerings, geographic targeting and personalized content. Our mobile application is available in Simplified Chinese. We also currently have international language websites in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Korean and Japanese. On our social channels we have international language feeds in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Malay and Thai. This enables us to engage with our followers in their native language and to produce content that is specific to each region. This focus on true localization, not translation, can be seen across all our social media platforms. For example, on TikTok we use local trends, hashtags and culturally relevant music to speak to fans in a truly global, local way.
Mobile services and applications
Mobile devices running the iOS or Android operating system enable consumers to browse websites, watch video, share content, access dedicated applications and conduct e-commerce and, as a consequence, the majority of our followers access our website and digital content via their mobile devices.
In 2018 we launched our first free global mobile application. This application was developed in conjunction with our website to provide benefits to our fans, through a clean and easy navigation interface. We believe our mobile application also provides significant benefits to our business through better e-commerce functionality and more digital inventory for our commercial partners to benefit from. Since launch, further enhancements were made to our mobile application to incorporate our direct-to-consumer MUTV offering and provide additional functionality including messaging, Matchday audio streaming and providing access to our Premier League archive collection for the first time. These additional features have been successful in driving additional data acquisition and have further enhanced our personalization capabilities within the mobile application. We believe our focus on our owned and operated products will lead to an improved customer experience via the mining of owned data, which will lead to more personalization and a more engaged fan base, as users spend more time on our platforms and return regularly.
We launched a free content section allowing all fans access to our exclusive programming, with subscribers then having access to our full range of programming, including both on demand and linear experiences around full match commentary for all Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup matches, as well as live tour matches and coverage. Subscribers can also view pre- and post-match analysis for all matches by club legends, exclusive interviews with the team manager and men’s first-team players, award-winning documentaries, celebrity features, and live broadcasts of Academy team matches and more recently women’s team matches.
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We intend to continue developing the functionality of our mobile applications to facilitate greater engagement and to satisfy global demand.
Video on demand
The proliferation of broadband internet and mobile access also allows us to offer video on demand to our followers around the world. Through our new website, official club mobile application and the MUTV D2C applications, we provide live video and video on demand to our followers in a variety of formats and commercial models. Some video on-demand content is free to all users, some content is only accessible upon registration and some content, as in the case of live pre-season tour matches, is available on a subscription basis.
Depending on the market, going forward we may offer video on demand services via our media partners as part of a comprehensive suite of content rights, as well as on a direct-to-consumer basis.
Social media
With a global fan base, we believe there is a significant opportunity to leverage the capabilities of social media platforms to augment our relationships with our followers around the world. By establishing an official presence on these platforms, we believe we will be able to deepen the connections with our follower base and improve our ability to market and sell products and services to our followers.
As of 30 June 2023, we had over 240.9 million social connections including approximately 76.2 million connections on our Facebook page, over 62.1 million followers on Instagram and over 41.7 million followers to our X (formerly known as Twitter) accounts. For the 2022/23 season we generated over 1.9 billion interactions across all platforms.
We use our social footprint as a means to communicate news and other club updates, engage with our followers, identify active followers, solicit feedback from our users, tailor future digital media offerings and enhance the overall follower experience.
We intend to continue to expand our reach through new and different social media and mobile chat platforms by launching additional Manchester United branded presences on global platforms as well as regional and language-specific platforms.
We believe this continuous expansion will enable us to broaden the reach of our brand and the content we produce, enhance our engagement with followers in many of our key international and emerging markets as well as opening up a new demographic of fans.
While there is no guarantee that our social connections will continue to grow at comparable rates in the future, we believe the combination of platforms on which we have an official presence will provide an increasing source of traffic to our club branded digital media services and e-commerce properties, enhance our ability to convert users into customers through video and exclusive content subscriptions and e-commerce, and continue to provide extensive positioning opportunities for our partners.
Customer relationship management
One of our ongoing strategic objectives is to further develop our understanding of and deepen the relationships with our fans and followers. We operate a CRM database in order to better understand the size, location, demographics and characteristics of our fan and follower base on an aggregated basis. We believe our CRM database enables us to more effectively deliver targeted communications to our fan base which ultimately leads to upsell opportunities through our product and service offerings such as digital subscription services, merchandise and tickets. A deep understanding of our follower base is also valuable to sponsors and media partners who seek to access specific customer categories with targeted and relevant advertising.
MUTV
MUTV is our wholly owned global television channel and is broadcast in numerous countries. MUTV broadcasts a wide variety of content which is compelling to our global community of followers, including live first team football from our pre-season tours, academy and women’s team live football, club news, game highlights, and exclusive “behind the scenes” coverage of our club.
Depending on the market, we may offer MUTV as a single product to television distributors for distribution to our fans on a linear television basis or directly to our fans on a D2C basis which allows them to subscribe directly to the club via our OTT offering. MUTV is currently available in 230 markets globally. (Markets are defined to reflect regional mobile application availability).
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For example, in our domestic territory, the United Kingdom, MUTV is offered to consumers through the Sky and Virgin Media distribution platforms and on a D2C basis via a subscription on MUTV mobile applications on iOS and GooglePlay App stores and ‘Connected TV’ applications on platforms such as Roku, Amazon Fire, AppleTV and Xbox. In addition, MUTV is available on MUTV.com.
Outside the United Kingdom, we offer MUTV through distribution partners as part of a suite of media rights, which can be purchased on a bundled or selective basis, and can include certain promotional rights, and via the OTT offerings (both on mobile application and Connected TVs).
MUTV features a range of content, the primary categories of which are:
| ● | highlights from games and other time-delayed game footage (including full matches), both of which are subject to certain holdback periods under the agreements between media distributors, the participating clubs and the Premier League and UEFA; |
| ● | live coverage of promotional tours and exhibition games; |
| ● | lifestyle programming and other “behind the scenes” content profiling the club, our history, our manager and our players; |
| ● | live coverage of women’s team games; |
| ● | live coverage of academy and youth games; |
| ● | live ‘Managers Press Conference’ before relevant men’s first team fixtures; and |
| ● | various other award winning shows and documentaries. |
Matchday
Our stadium, which we fully own, is called Old Trafford and is known as “The Theatre of Dreams.” We believe Old Trafford is one of the most famous and historic stadiums in the world. Football followers travel from all over the world to attend a match at Old Trafford, which is the largest football club stadium in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 73,925. The stadium has approximately 10,000 executive club seats, including 133 luxury boxes, 24 restaurants and 4 sports bars.
We have one of the highest capacity utilizations among English clubs, with an average attendance for our home Premier League matches played in front of a crowd of over 99% for each season since the 1997/98 season. The substantial majority of our tickets are sold to both general admission and executive season ticket holders, the majority of whom pay for all their tickets in advance of the first game of the season.
Other Matchday revenue includes match day catering, event parking, programme sales as well as membership, Manchester United Museum revenue and a share of the ticket revenue from away matches in domestic cup competitions. Matchday revenue also includes revenue from other events hosted at Old Trafford, including other sporting events (including the annual Rugby Super League Grand Final) and entertainment events.
We operate a membership program for our supporters. Individuals who become official members have the opportunity to apply for tickets to all home matches. Adult Official Members pay £35 per season to join our Lite Membership, £40 to join the Full Membership or £60 to join the Premium membership scheme. At the end of the 2022/23 season we had over 360,000 members, one of the highest in world sport.
The Manchester United Museum is located within Old Trafford. It chronicles Manchester United’s 144-year history and houses the club’s most precious artifacts and trophies.
We aim to maximize ticket revenue by enhancing the mix of experiences available at each game and by providing a range of options from general admission tickets to multi-seat facilities and hospitality suites. In particular, we have recently increased overall Matchday revenue by restructuring the composition of our stadium, with an emphasis on developing hospitality facilities which sell at a higher price and improve our margins. As part of this effort, we have invested in new and refurbished multi-seat hospitality suites as well as improvements to our single-seat facilities. We expect our enhancements to our hospitality facilities to continue to be a key driver of our profit from Matchday sales going forward.
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UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Sustainability Regulations
UEFA oversees the Club Licensing and Financial Sustainability (formerly Financial Fair Play) regulations, which are intended to ensure the financial self-sufficiency and sustainability of football clubs by discouraging them from continually operating at a loss, introduce more discipline and rationality on club finances, ensure that clubs settle their liabilities on a timely basis and encouraging long term investment in youth development and sporting infrastructure.
UEFA implemented an updated set of regulations from 1 July 2022 ahead of the commencement of a new cycle and competition format in 2024/25. The “break-even” rule from the previous regulations remains, aimed at encouraging football clubs to operate on the basis of their own revenue with some amendments. Owner investments of equity are allowed only within the acceptable deviation thresholds, as described below. In addition, the regulations provide that football clubs who are granted a UEFA license by their national association, based largely on physical infrastructure and personnel criteria set out by UEFA, and who then qualify for a UEFA club competition based on sporting grounds, will then be required to comply with a “monitoring” process. The monitoring process involves the submission of certain financial information (a break-even test and payables analysis) to the Club Financial Control Body (“CFCB”). The CFCB is part of UEFA’s Organs for the Administration of Justice and comprises a team of independent financial and legal experts. The CFCB will review financial submissions and decide what sanctions, if any, to apply to non-compliant clubs. Any appeal must be made directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Potential sanctions for non-compliance with the FFP regulations include a reprimand/warning, withholding of prize money, fines, prohibition on registering new players for UEFA club competitions and ultimately exclusion from UEFA club competitions.
With respect to the break-even assessment, a club must demonstrate that its relevant “football” income is equal to or exceeds its “football” expenses. The prior permitted level of deficit was limited over the three-year assessment period to just €5 million, although a larger deficit of up to €30 million was permitted provided the deficit was reduced to the €5 million acceptable deviation by equity contributions from equity participants and/or related parties. Any club which exceeded the €30 million limit would automatically be in breach of the break-even rule, unless it had sufficient surpluses in the two years prior to the assessment period, irrespective of any equity contributions. With respect to the updated break-even assessment, a club must continue to demonstrate that its relevant “football” income is equal to or exceeds its “football” expenses. The newly permitted level of deficit is still limited over the three-year assessment period to just €5 million, although a larger deficit of up to €60 million permitted provided the deficit is reduced to the €5 million acceptable deviation by equity contributions from equity participants and/or related parties or the club has existing positive equity in excess of the loss. Any club which exceeds the €60 million limit will automatically be in breach of the break-even rule. It is no longer possible to utilize surpluses gained in the two years prior to the assessment period. Another key change to the regulations is that previously depreciation of tangible fixed assets, youth development, women’s team and community expenditure were excluded from the break-even test. In the updated regulations, clubs must either have positive equity to the value of the expenditure to be able to exclude them from the calculation or they must be covered by equity contributions from equity participants and/or related parties (in addition to any allowable deficit contributions).
The larger deficit of up to €60 million over the three-year period can be increased to €90 million based on specific financial criteria being met, aimed at benefitting clubs that are financially sustainable.
UEFA’s Financial Sustainability regulations see clubs subject to squad cost controls for the first time. The cost control rule restricts spending on player and coach wages, transfers, and agent fees to 70% of club revenues. The cost control rule is a calendar year test which will be tested during the season to place greater emphasis on current financial information. This allows UEFA to identify breaches as they occur. The gradual implementation will see the percentage at 90% in 2023/24 based on calendar year 2023, 80% in 2024/25 based on calendar year 2024, and 70% in 2025/26 based on calendar year 2025. The percentage remains at 70% thereafter and is tested on a calendar year basis. This requirement provides a direct measure between squad costs and income to encourage more performance-related costs and to limit the market inflation of wages and transfer costs of players.
Ahead of registration for UEFA club competitions for the 2022/23 season we submitted our payables analysis and break-even assessment under the previous FFP regulations. The payables analysis is typically carried out at 30 June prior to the competition season and is required in respect of payments to other clubs for transfer fees, payments to staff including players and football staff and payments to tax authorities. UEFA has already imposed sanctions on clubs who have breached the Licensing and FFP regulations, ranging from monetary fines, restrictions on wages and first team squad size and limitation on transfer expenditures, to exclusion from UEFA club competitions.
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The break-even test result under the previous FFP regulations was initially assessed on the cumulative sum of the financial information for the four years ended 30 June 2022, being 2021/22, the average of 2020/21 and 2019/20 due to COVID-19 special regulations, and 2018/19. As this resulted in a loss above the allowable loss limit, under UEFA’s FFP rules, this was extended to five years to include 2017/18 and 2016/17. The club reported a loss of €34.4 million which was €29.4 million greater than the allowable loss of €5 million. UEFA allowed the increase of the allowable loss to €30m if the deficit was reduced to the €5 million acceptable deviation by equity contributions from equity participants and/or related parties. However, as the club’s loss was in excess of €30 million, this option was not available. The club had a number of mitigating factors for the loss, having consistently reported surplus profits under UEFA’s regulations prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary mitigating factors were the losses suffered in 2021/22 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, totalling €46.8 million, which were not taken into account under the regulations. Furthermore, the regulations stipulated that COVID-19 losses for 2019/20 and 2020/21 were allowable but only to the extent that they reset the UEFA test position to nil and in doing so the club only utilised €15.6 million out of a total of €246.6 million COVID-19 losses. Had either elements of these unutilised losses have been allowable for the 2022/23 test, the club would have comfortably passed the regulations.
Additionally, the club suffered non-cash foreign exchange movements on unhedged USD borrowings across the year-ended 30 June 2022, resulting in a £58.7 million loss in fiscal 2022, impacting the break-even test result. This foreign exchange movement is an unrealised amount and is a function of the club’s debt being denominated in USD whilst financial statements balances are reported in GBP. As a result of the technical breach, the club entered into discussions with the CFCB, with the CFCB acknowledging the extenuating circumstances. As a result, the CFCB issued the club with a €0.3 million fine with no go-forward restrictions and so this breach will have no bearing on the future performance of the club.
European clubs reported operating losses in excess of €1 billion in both 2019/20 and 2020/21 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic after seven years of operating profits. European clubs had generated more than €5.7 billion in operating profits from fiscal year 2013 to 2019, compared with operating losses of €0.7 billion during the period from fiscal year 2009 to fiscal year 2013. The losses suffered during COVID-19 have partially contributed to UEFA’s drive to ensure clubs are stable and keep costs under control.
We support the financial sustainability regulations, and do not believe it will adversely impact our ability to continue to attract some of the best players in the coming years as a result of having one of the largest revenues in European football.
Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules
The Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules were introduced during the 2015/16 season, implementing a break-even rule similar to the break-even test of the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations and aimed at encouraging Premier League clubs to operate within their means. Potential sanctions for non-compliance with the profitability and sustainability regulations include significant fines, player transfer restrictions and Premier League points deduction.
Our most recent break-even assessment under the Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules was submitted in March 2023, based on our fiscal year 2022 and the average of fiscal year 2021 and 2020 audited financial statements. The break-even test is based on a club’s audited pre-tax earnings. If the break-even test results are positive, no further action is required until the next break-even test. If the initial test is negative, a club is re-tested, using the UEFA definition of “adjusted earnings before tax,” which allows credit for depreciation of tangible fixed assets and expenditure on youth development and community programs. If these second test results are negative by £15 million or less, the Premier League board will determine whether the club will be able to pay its liabilities due to other football clubs and in respect of employees. If a club’s losses exceed £15 million but are not more than £105 million, the club’s ownership must provide evidence of sufficient funding to meet its liabilities as they fall due. If these results are negative by more than £105 million, regardless of secured funding, Premier League sanctions will apply. Our break-even test result submitted in March 2023 was positive.
We support and operate within the Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules, and do not believe it will adversely impact our ability to continue to attract some of the best players in the coming years.
Social Responsibility
Manchester United Foundation
We are committed to a wide-ranging corporate social responsibility program through Manchester United Foundation (the “Foundation”). The associated charity of Manchester United, the Foundation’s vision focuses on a future where all young people are empowered to achieve their goals. The ongoing commitment to young people is to help ensure that, despite uncertainty in the world
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around them, those with whom the Foundation works on a daily basis continue to feel supported, inspired, and positive about their future.
The Foundation’s objectives are to ensure young people have access to community and educational outreach programs to help them make positive choices in their lives and develop in the following areas:
-Physical and mental wellbeing (living a happier, healthier life)
-Social wellbeing (bringing a sense of belonging to people and their communities)
-Employability (improving educational and employment outcomes)
The Foundation operates in the areas of highest social deprivation across Greater Manchester, with the aim of ensuring the benefits of these programs are felt by children and young people who need it most. With more than 23,000 sessions delivered in 2022/23 – encompassing more than 30,000 hours of delivery – the charity’s presence remains strong and visible across local communities.
The Foundation has partnerships with 66 primary, secondary, and special educational needs schools, as well as working alongside the Salford City College Group on a further education program in sport. Working predominantly across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, but recently expanding to Carlisle, Derbyshire, London and Derry/Londonderry, a coach is based in the high schools full-time to work with pupils, feeder primary schools and within the local community to build lasting relationships. Other initiatives, such as Street Reds evening football sessions, girls’ development provision, and a disability and inclusion program, provide free football, alternative activities, qualifications and work experience opportunities for young people across Greater Manchester.
The Foundation fulfils all charitable activity for Manchester United, including supporting the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation (finding innovative solutions to create a landmine-free world), and managing the club’s long-term partnership with global children’s organization Unicef. The Foundation also supports external charities by providing signed items for their own fundraising purposes.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Club is dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, and this is reflected in its All Red All Equal initiative, which covers a broad range of activities. The Club is also dedicated to achieving gender balance in its leadership teams, with 33% female representation in the Executive Leadership and a 40% female-to-male ratio in senior leaders and managers. The Club is also focused on promoting diversity in senior roles by creating an inclusive representation of leaders from various ethnicities, backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, social mobility, and economic backgrounds.
The Club is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our workforce. We have established partnerships with leading organizations such as 10,000 Black Interns, the Adidas MerkyFC Project, The FA Leadership Code, the Premier League Coach Diversity Index, Stonewall, and a number of Inclusive Executive Search Agencies. These highly productive collaborations enable us to attract talented individuals from underrepresented groups and backgrounds, to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment. We offer diverse opportunities for aspiring leaders through internships, work placements, and work experience programmes for early talent. We take pride in our efforts to create a truly diverse and inclusive workplace, and we will continue to work tirelessly to make this a reality.
Throughout the past season, significant progress has been made by the Club towards re-accrediting its Advance Level award through the Premier League’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standard. Furthermore, the Club has recently introduced a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy that aligns its efforts with EU Sustainability Goals.
Furthermore, the Club has signed the Football Leadership Diversity Code, which aims to diversify our leadership and coaching teams. We are currently in the process of reporting on the progress made in achieving the targets outlined in the code’s third year.
Throughout the year, our Club has witnessed the progression of our significant campaigns, working in unison with our commercial partners and All Red All Equal initiative. Our primary campaigns, namely HATRED, SEE RED, ONE LOVE, CHANGE THE GAME, and IGNORED, have supported and impacted supporters worldwide. Generating over 11 million engagements, 8 million views of our video content, and 234 million impressions. Moving forward, the evolution of our work aims to celebrate and highlight the successes of significant figures, groups, and communities throughout history and in the future, promoting positivity and inspiration. We have continued to support football-wide campaigns and initiatives within the lens of All Red All Equal–- such as the Premier League’s ‘’No Room for Racism’’ initiative.
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A range of active Employee Resource Groups and Affinity groups, as well as an Equality Committee, are in place to promote equality, diversity and inclusion at Manchester United. Employee Resource Groups align with our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy and strategic aims, and affinity groups allow for a breadth of intersectionality to grow with groups such as Menopause, bringing together colleagues from the business to share and support one another.
The Club’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is deeply ingrained in its strategy and values and is supported by the Executive Leadership's dedication to these principles. A new strategy has been developed to align with the People Strategy and the overall Club strategy, outlining how all areas of the business are responsible for creating a diverse, welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment for everyone, ensuring the Club and its workforce embody these values.
Sustainability
We recognize the need to move towards a more sustainable economy. We have taken steps to reduce the amount of waste we produce and divert all operational waste away from landfills. We also aim to minimize the use of non-renewable materials, improve our recycling rates and use more recycled materials. We have achieved the Carbon Trust Standard, which recognizes organizations that take a best practice approach to measuring and managing their environmental impacts, and through our Reds Go Green initiative we intend to continue to build on our carbon and renewable energy strategy to improve our performance further. We have also achieved the Gold Standard in Green Tourism Business Certification, which recognizes the commitment of tourism businesses that are actively working to become more sustainable. We also offset carbon emissions generated from air travel from our 2023/24 pre-season tour to the United States through investment in renewable wind energy.
Intellectual Property
We consider intellectual property to be important to the operation of our business and critical to driving growth in our Commercial revenue, particularly with respect to sponsorship revenue. Certain of our commercial partners have rights to use our intellectual property. In order to protect our brand we generally have contractual rights to approve uses of our intellectual property by our commercial partners.
We consider our brand to be a key business asset and therefore have a portfolio of Manchester United related registered trademarks and trademark applications. The historic emphasis has been on seeking and maintaining trademark registrations for the words “Manchester United” and the club crest but that emphasis was then extended to cover the devil device and the words “MUTV” and “Man Utd”. We also actively procure copyright protection and copyright ownership of materials such as literary works, logos, photographic images and audio visual footage.
Enforcement of our trademark rights is important in maintaining the value of the Manchester United brand. There are numerous instances of third parties infringing our trademarks, for example, through the manufacture and sale of counterfeit products. While it would be cost-prohibitive to take action in all instances, our aim is to consistently reduce the number of Manchester United related trademark infringements by carrying out coordinated, cost-effective enforcement action on a global basis following investigation of suspected trademark infringements. Enforcement action takes a variety of forms. In the United Kingdom, we work with enforcement authorities such as trading standards and customs authorities to seize counterfeit goods and to stop the activities of unauthorized sellers. Overseas enforcement action is taken by approved lawyers and investigators. Those lawyers and investigators are instructed to work with, where feasible, representatives of other football clubs and brands that are experiencing similar issues within the relevant country in order that our enforcement action costs can be minimized as far as possible. We also work with the Premier League in respect of infringements that affect multiple Premier League clubs, in particular in Asia. We also take direct legal action against infringers, for example, by issuing cease and desist letters or seeking compensation when we consider that it is appropriate to do so.
In relation to materials for which copyright protection is available (such as literary works, logos, photographic images and audio visual footage), our current practice is generally to secure copyright ownership where possible and appropriate. For example, where we are working with third parties and copyright protected materials are being created, we generally try to secure an assignment of the relevant copyright as part of the commercial contract. However, it is not always possible to secure copyright ownership. For example, in the case of audio visual footage relating to football competitions, copyright will generally vest in the competition organizer and any exploitation by Manchester United Football Club of such footage will be the subject of a license from the competition organizer.
As part of our ongoing investment in intellectual property, we have implemented a program to detect intellectual property infringement in a digital environment and which facilitates taking action against infringers.
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Competition
From a business perspective, we compete across a wide variety of industries and within many different markets. We believe our primary sources of competition include, but are not limited to:
· | Football clubs: We compete against other football clubs in the Premier League for match attendance and Matchday revenue. We compete against football clubs around Europe and the rest of the world to attract the best players and coaches in the global transfer and football staff markets. |
· | Television media: We receive media income primarily from the Premier League and UEFA media contracts, each of which is collectively negotiated. Further details of such arrangements are set out in the section headed “ — Revenue Sectors — Broadcasting.” On a collective level, and in respect of those media rights we retain, we compete against other types of television programming for broadcaster attention and advertiser income both domestically and in other markets around the world. |
· | Digital media: We compete against other digital content providers for consumer attention and leisure time, advertiser income and consumer e-commerce activity. |
· | Merchandise and apparel: We compete against other providers of sports apparel and equipment. |
· | Sponsorship: As a result of the international recognition and quality of our brand, we compete against many different outlets for corporate sponsorship and advertising income, including other sports and other sports teams, other entertainment and events, television and other traditional and digital media outlets. |
· | Live entertainment: We compete against alternative forms of live entertainment for the sale of Matchday tickets, including other live sports, concerts, festivals, theatre and similar events. |
As a result, we do not believe there is any single market for which we have a well-defined group of competitors.
Real Property
We own or lease property dedicated to our football and other operations. The most significant of our real properties is Old Trafford. The following table sets out our key owned and leased properties. In connection with our revolving facilities, our secured term loan facility and the senior secured notes, several of our owned properties, including Old Trafford are encumbered with land charges as security for all obligations under those agreements, although the Manchester International Freight Terminal and the Carrington training ground are not encumbered.
Key properties and locations |
| Primary function |
| Owned/leased |
| Area |
(approx. m2) | ||||||
Old Trafford Football Stadium, Manchester |
| Football stadium |
| Owned (freehold) |
| 205,000 |
Carrington training ground, Carrington, Trafford |
| Football training facility |
| Owned (freehold) |
| 440,000 |
Littleton Road Training Ground, Salford |
| Football training facility |
| Owned (freehold) |
| 84,000 |
The Cliff, Lower Broughton Road, Salford |
| Football training facility |
| Owned (freehold) |
| 28,000 |
Manchester International Freight Terminal, Westinghouse Road Trafford Park, Manchester |
| Investment properties |
| Leased (through March 2071) |
| 107,000 |
Land and buildings at Wharfside, Trafford Park, Manchester |
| Investment properties |
| Owned (freehold) |
| 27,100 |
Land and buildings on the southwest side of Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester |
| Offices and Car Parking |
| Owned (freehold) |
| 23,000 |
Land and buildings at Canalside, Trafford Park, Manchester |
| Investment properties |
| Owned (freehold) |
| 10,800 |
Land and buildings at Castlemore Retail Park, Trafford Park, Manchester |
| Investment properties |
| Owned (freehold) |
| 3,969 |
Office space, London |
| Offices |
| Leased (through April 2033) |
| 8,500 |
Office space, Maryland, United States |
| Offices |
| Leased (through May 2024) |
| 653 |
The above properties are owned or leased by Manchester United Football Club Limited, apart from Castlemore Retail Park and Manchester International Freight Terminal which are owned or leased by Alderley Urban Investments Limited.
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Legal Proceedings
We are involved in various routine legal proceedings incident to the ordinary course of our business. We believe that the outcome of all pending legal proceedings, in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results. Further, we believe that the probability of any material losses arising from these legal proceedings is remote.
Subsidiaries
Our directly or indirectly wholly-owned principal subsidiaries are: Red Football Finance Limited, Red Football Holdings Limited, Red Football Shareholder Limited, Red Football Joint Venture Limited, Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited, Alderley Urban Investments Limited, Manchester United Football Club Limited, Manchester United Women’s Football Club Limited, Manchester United Interactive Limited, MU Commercial Holdings Limited, MU Commercial Holdings Junior Limited, MU Finance Limited, MU RAML Limited, MUTV Limited and RAML USA LLC. All of the above are incorporated and operate in England and Wales, with the exception of Red Football Finance Limited which is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and RAML USA LLC which is incorporated in the state of Delaware in the United States.
Customers
See “Item 3.D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — We are exposed to credit related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to Premier League and UEFA media contracts as well as our key commercial and transfer contracts.” Our top customer was the Premier League, who represented 27.5%, 25.1% and 35.9% of our total revenue in each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Our second largest customer was adidas, who represented 11.7%, 13.1% and 15.7% of our total revenue in each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Overview
We are one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, playing one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth. Through our 145-year heritage we have won 67 trophies, including a record 20 English league titles, enabling us to develop what we believe is one of the world’s leading sports brands and a global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers. Our large, passionate community provides Manchester United with a worldwide platform to generate significant revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, broadcasting and Matchday. We attract leading global companies such as adidas, TeamViewer and Tezos that want access and exposure to our community of followers and association with our brand.
How We Generate Revenue
We operate and manage our business as a single reporting segment — the operation of professional sports teams. We review our revenue through three principal sectors — Commercial, Broadcasting and Matchday — and within the Commercial revenue sector, we have two revenue streams which monetize our global brand: sponsorship revenue; and retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing revenue.
Revenue Drivers
Commercial
Commercial revenue is derived from sponsors and commercial partners. We generate our Commercial revenue with low fixed costs and small incremental costs for each additional sponsor, making our commercial operations a relatively high margin and scalable part of our business and a driver of growth for our overall profitability. Total Commercial revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £302.9 million.
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Sponsorship
We monetize the value of our global brand and community of followers through sponsorship relationships with leading international and regional companies around the globe. To better capitalize on the strength of our brand, we have developed a segmentation sponsorship strategy. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Revenue Sectors — Commercial – Sponsorship – Our Sponsors” for some of our global and regional sponsors as at 1 July 2023.
A partnership with Manchester United provides corporations with the ability to associate themselves with the highly popular Manchester United brand and a global marketing platform to quickly and effectively amplify their brand and message to their potential customers.
For the 2022/23 season, our shirt sponsor was TeamViewer and our training kit partner was Tezos. Total sponsorship revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £189.5 million.
Retail, Merchandising, Apparel & Product Licensing
Our retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing business includes the sale of sports apparel, training and leisure wear and other clothing featuring the Manchester United brand as well as other licensed products from coffee mugs to bedspreads. These products are distributed on a global basis through Manchester United branded retail stores and e-commerce platform, as well as through our partners’ wholesale distribution channels.
Subsequent to the balance sheet date, on 21 July 2023, the Group signed a 10-year extension to its agreement with adidas in respect of global technical sponsorship and dual-branded licensing rights, which began on 1 August 2015 and now terminates on 30 June 2035. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Revenue Sectors — Commercial – Retail, Merchandising, Apparel & Product Licensing” for additional information regarding our agreement with adidas.
Total retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £113.4 million.
Broadcasting
We benefit from the distribution of live football content directly from the revenue we receive and indirectly through increased global exposure for our commercial partners. Broadcasting revenue is derived from our share of the global broadcasting rights relating to the Premier League, Champions League and other competitions. The growing popularity of the Premier League and Champions League in international markets and the associated increases in media rights values have been major drivers of the increase in our overall Broadcasting revenue in recent years.
Season 2023/24 will be the second of a three-year (2022/23 – 2024/25) Premier League broadcasting rights cycle. All seven live UK packages were sold to the incumbent broadcasters – five to Sky Sports, one to BT Sport and the final one to Amazon Prime Video who was a new entrant in the previous cycle. The value generated from the sale was consistent with the prior cycle and the terms were agreed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The international broadcasting rights for the new cycle represent a 28% uplift on the previous cycle, with international rights equaling domestic rights for the first time driven primarily by increases in North America and Europe. Overall growth for the new cycle is 16%. The ratio between the maximum and minimum broadcasting revenue that a club can receive from the Premier League in a season is capped at 1.8: 1. The international revenue growth will be allocated to merit payments, as this cap has not yet been reached, and will therefore benefit the higher placed teams.
Our participation in the Premier League and Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League (and consequently, our receipt of the revenue generated by these broadcasting contracts) is predicated on the success of our men’s first team, and if our men’s first team fails to qualify for these UEFA club competitions or is relegated from the Premier League in any given season, our Broadcasting revenue for that and subsequent fiscal years will be adversely impacted, partially offset by lower operating expenses. As a result of our men’s first team performance during the 2022/23 season, our men’s first team will participate in the 2023/24 Champions League.
In addition, MUTV delivers Manchester United programming and other content to territories around the world. MUTV generated total revenue of £6.1 million, £6.8 million and £6.3 million for each of the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total Broadcasting revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £209.1 million.
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Matchday
Matchday revenue is a function of the number of games played in front of a crowd at Old Trafford, the size and seating composition of Old Trafford, attendance at our matches and the prices of tickets and hospitality sales. A significant driver of Matchday revenue is the number of home games we play at Old Trafford in front of a crowd, which is ordinarily based on 19 Premier League matches and any additional matches resulting from the success of our men’s first team in the FA Cup, EFL Cup and UEFA club competitions. Our participation in the Premier League and UEFA club competitions (and consequently, our receipt of the revenue generated by these matches) is predicated on the success of our men’s first team, and if our men’s first team fails to qualify for UEFA club competitions or is relegated from the Premier League in any given season, our Matchday revenue for that and subsequent fiscal years will be adversely impacted, partially offset by lower resulting expenses. Average attendance for our home Premier League matches played in front of a crowd has been over 99% for each season since the 1997/98 season, with strong attendance for UEFA club competitions, FA Cup and EFL Cup matches. Total Matchday revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £136.4 million.
Other Factors That Affect Our Financial Performance
Employee benefit expenses
Player and staff compensation comprise the majority of our operating costs. Of our total operating costs, player costs, which consist of salaries, bonuses, benefits and national insurance contributions are the primary component. Compensation to non-player staff, which includes our manager and coaching staff, also accounts for a significant portion. Competition from top clubs in the Premier League and Europe has resulted in increases in player and manager salaries, forcing clubs to spend an increasing amount on player and staff compensation, and we expect this trend to continue. In addition, as our commercial operations grow, we expect our headcount and related expenses to increase as well.
Other operating expenses
Our other operating expenses generally include certain variable costs such as Matchday catering, policing, security stewarding and cleaning at Old Trafford, visitor gateshare for domestic cups, and costs related to the delivery on media and commercial sponsorship contracts. Other operating expenses also include certain fixed costs, such as property costs, maintenance, human resources, training and developments costs, and professional fees. Our other operating expenses are subject to inflationary pressures and as such, can increase over time.
Amortization, depreciation and impairment
We amortize the capitalized costs associated with the acquisition of players’ and key football management staff registrations. These costs are amortized over the period of the employment contract agreed with a player/key football management staff. If a player or key football management staff extends his contract prior to the end of the pre-existing period of employment, the remaining unamortized portion of the acquisition cost is amortized over the period of the new contract. Changes in amortization of the costs of players’ and key football management staff registrations from year to year and period to period reflect additional fees paid for the acquisition of players and key football management staff, the impact of contract extensions and the disposal of registrations. As such, increased players’ and key football management staff registration costs in any period could cause higher amortization in that period and in future periods and have a negative impact on our results of operations. Moreover, to the extent that the player and key football management staff registration costs vary from period to period, this may drive variability in our results of operations. We also amortize the capitalized costs associated with the acquisition of other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which is typically between 3 and 10 years.
Depreciation primarily reflects a straight-line depreciation on investments made in property, plant and equipment. Depreciation over the periods under review results primarily from the depreciation of Old Trafford, including incremental improvements made to Old Trafford each season.
Impairment charges arise when an asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. Assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Exceptional items
Exceptional operating costs are those costs that in management’s judgment need to be separately disclosed by virtue of their size, nature or incidence in order to provide a proper understanding of our results of operations and financial condition.
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Profit on disposal of intangible assets
We recognize profits or losses on the disposal of intangible assets (primarily players’ registrations) in our statement of profit or loss. Acquisitions and disposals of players are discretionary and we make transfer decisions based upon the requirements of our first teams and the overall availability of players. These requirements and the availability of players, and resulting profits or losses on disposals, may vary from period to period, contributing to variability in our results of operations between periods.
Finance (costs)/income
A key component of our expenses during each of the past three fiscal years has been interest costs and revaluations of our USD borrowings. We expect interest expense to continue to be a significant component of our expenses. See “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Indebtedness.” Finance costs also include the unwind of the discount recognized on amounts payable or receivable under transfer agreements as appropriate which can vary, depending on transfer activity and interest rates, amongst other factors.
Taxes
During each of the three years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, our principal operating subsidiaries were tax residents in the United Kingdom. We were subject to a weighted UK statutory tax rate of 20.5% in the year ended 30 June 2023 and 19.0% in the years ended 30 June 2022 and 30 June 2021.
Although we are organized as a Cayman Islands exempted company, we report as a US domestic corporation for US federal income tax purposes. As a result, our worldwide income is also subject to US taxes at the US statutory rate (currently 21)%.
In April 2023, a statutory tax rate of 25% took effect in the UK. We expect to utilize a credit in the United States for UK taxes paid and therefore we do not expect to be double taxed on our income. We expect our future cash tax rate to align more closely to the UK statutory tax rate of 25% now that this rate has taken effect.
We may also be subject to US state and local income (franchise) taxes based generally upon where we are doing business. These tax rates vary by jurisdiction and the tax base. Generally, state and local taxes are deductible for US federal income tax purposes. Furthermore, because most of our subsidiaries are disregarded from their owner for US federal income tax purposes, we are not able to control the timing of much of our US federal income tax exposure. In calculating our liability for US federal income tax, however, certain of our deductible expenses are higher than the amount of those same expenses under UK corporation tax rules, owing to differences in the relevant rules of the two jurisdictions and the related difference in the opening book versus tax basis of our assets and liabilities. Finally, our UK tax liability can be credited against our US federal income tax liabilities, subject to US rules and limitations.
Seasonality
We experience seasonality in our revenue and cash flow, limiting the overall comparability and predictability of interim financial periods. In any given interim period, our total revenue can vary based on the number of games played in that period, which affects the amount of Matchday and Broadcasting revenue recognized. Similarly, certain of our costs derive from hosting games at Old Trafford, and these costs will also vary based on the number of games played in the period. We historically recognize the most revenue in our second and third fiscal quarters due to the scheduling of matches. However, a strong performance by our men’s first team in UEFA club competitions and domestic cups could result in significant additional Broadcasting and Matchday revenue, and consequently we may also recognize the most revenue in our fourth fiscal quarter in those years. Our cash flow may also vary among interim periods due to the timing of significant payments from major commercial agreements. As such, though we report interim results of operations for our first, second and third fiscal quarters, in managing our business, setting goals and assessing performance we focus primarily on our full-year results of operations rather than our interim results of operations.
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A.OPERATING RESULTS
The following table shows selected audited consolidated statement of profit or loss data for the years ended 30 June 2023 and 2022. For a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended 30 June 2021, including a year-to-year comparison between the years ended 30 June 2022 and 2021, refer to Part I, Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in our Annual Report Form 20-F for the year ended 30 June 2022.
| Year ended 30 June | |||
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
Statement of profit or loss data | (£’000) | |||
Revenue | 648,401 |
| 583,201 | |
Analyzed as: |
| |||
Commercial revenue | 302,886 |
| 257,820 | |
Broadcasting revenue | 209,095 |
| 214,847 | |
Matchday revenue | 136,420 |
| 110,534 | |
Operating expenses | (681,117) |
| (692,520) | |
Analyzed as: |
| |||
Employee benefit expenses | (331,374) |
| (384,141) | |
Other operating expenses | (163,211) |
| (117,911) | |
Depreciation and impairment | (13,848) |
| (14,314) | |
Amortization | (172,684) |
| (151,462) | |
Exceptional items | — |
| (24,692) | |
Other operating income | 1,112 |
| — | |
Operating loss before profit on disposal of intangible assets | (36,104) |
| (109,319) | |
Profit on disposal of intangible assets | 20,424 |
| 21,935 | |
Operating loss | (11,180) |
| (87,384) | |
Finance costs | (44,917) |
| (85,915) | |
Finance income | 23,523 |
| 23,676 | |
Net finance costs | (21,394) |
| (62,239) | |
Loss before income tax | (32,574) |
| (149,623) | |
Income tax credit | 3,896 |
| 34,113 | |
Loss for the year | (28,678) |
| (115,510) | |
Year Ended 30 June 2023 as Compared to the Year Ended 30 June 2022
Year ended | |||||||
30 June | |||||||
% Change | |||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2023 over 2022 | ||
(in £ millions) | |||||||
Revenue | 648.4 |
| 583.2 |
| 11.2 | % | |
Commercial revenue |
| 302.9 |
| 257.8 |
| 17.5 | % |
Broadcasting revenue |
| 209.1 |
| 214.9 |
| (2.7) | % |
Matchday revenue |
| 136.4 |
| 110.5 |
| 23.4 | % |
Total operating expenses |
| (681.1) |
| (692.6) |
| (1.7) | % |
Employee benefit expenses |
| (331.4) |
| (384.1) |
| (13.7) | % |
Other operating expenses |
| (163.2) |
| (117.9) |
| 38.4 | % |
Depreciation and impairment |
| (13.8) |
| (14.3) |
| (3.5) | % |
Amortization |
| (172.7) |
| (151.5) |
| 14.0 | % |
Exceptional items |
| — |
| (24.7) |
| — | |
Other operating income | 1.1 | — | — | ||||
Profit on disposal of intangible assets |
| 20.4 |
| 22.0 |
| (7.3) | % |
Net finance costs |
| (21.4) |
| (62.2) |
| (65.6) | % |
Income tax credit |
| 3.9 |
| 34.1 |
| (88.6) | % |
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Revenue
Total revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £648.4 million, an increase of £65.2 million, or 11.2%, compared to the year ended 30 June 2022, as a result of an increase in revenue in our commercial and Matchday sectors, partially offset by a decrease in revenue in our broadcasting sector, as described below.
Commercial revenue
Commercial revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £302.9 million, an increase of £45.1 million, or 17.5%, over the year ended 30 June 2022.
| ● | Sponsorship revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £89.5 million, an increase of £41.6 million, or 28.1%, over the year ended 30 June 2022, due to the impact of new sponsorship agreements and the men’s first team’s 2022 pre-season tour; and |
| ● | Retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £113.4 million, an increase of £3.5 million, or 3.2%, over the year ended 30 June 2022, due to the increased number of home matchdays in the current year. |
Broadcasting revenue
Broadcasting revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £209.1 million, a decrease of £5.8 million, or 2.7%, over the year ended 30 June 2022, primarily due to the men’s first team participating in the UEFA Europa League compared to the UEFA Champions League in the current year, partially offset by improved performance in both domestic and continental competition.
Matchday revenue
Matchday revenue for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £136.4 million, an increase of £25.9 million, or 23.4%, over the year ended 30 June 2022, due to playing seven more home games across all competitions in the current year, together with strong demand for match by match hospitality offers.
Total operating expenses
Total operating expenses (defined as employee benefit expenses, other operating expenses, depreciation and impairment, amortization and exceptional items) for the year ended 30 June 2023 were £681.1 million, a decrease of £11.5 million, or 1.7%, over the year ended 30 June 2022.
Employee benefit expenses
Employee benefit expenses for the year ended 30 June 2023 were £331.4 million, a decrease of £52.8 million, or 13.7%, over the year ended 30 June 2022, as a result of squad turnover and the men’s first team not participating in the UEFA Champions League in the current year.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses for the year ended 30 June 2023 were £163.2 million, an increase of £45.3 million, or 38.4%, over the year ended 30 June 2022. This is primarily due to costs associated with the men’s first team pre-season tour and increased matchday costs associated with progression in domestic cup competitions.
Depreciation and impairment
Depreciation and impairment for the year ended 30 June 2023 amounted to £13.8 million, a decrease of £0.5 million, or 3.5%, over the year ended 30 June 2022.
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Amortization
Amortization, primarily of registrations, for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £172.7 million, an increase of £21.2 million, or 14.0%, over the year ended 30 June 2022, due to investment in the first team playing squad. The unamortized balance of registrations as of 30 June 2023 was £384.9 million, of which £157.9 million is expected to be amortized in the year ending 30 June 2024. The remaining balance is expected to be amortized over the four years ending 30 June 2028. This does not take into account player acquisitions after 30 June 2023, which would have the effect of increasing the amortization expense in future periods, nor does it consider player departures subsequent to 30 June 2023, which would have the effect of decreasing future amortization charges. Furthermore, any contract renegotiations would also impact future charges.
Exceptional items
Exceptional items for the year ended 30 June 2023 were £nil compared to a cost of £24.7 million for the year ended 30 June 2022. The prior year amount includes compensation due to former men’s first team managers, certain members of the playing, coaching and scouting staff, and certain non-playing staff. The cost incurred for the year ended 30 June 2023 also includes additional contributions we expect to pay towards the Football League pension scheme deficit based upon the latest actuarial valuation.
Other operating income
Other operating income for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £1.1 million compared to £nil in the year ended 30 June 2022.
Profit on disposal of intangible assets
Profit on disposal of intangible assets for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £20.4 million, compared to a profit of £22.0 million for the year ended 30 June 2022. The profit on disposal of intangible assets for the year ended 30 June 2023 primarily related to the disposal of Pereira (Fulham) and Garner (Everton). The profit on disposal of intangible assets for the year ended 30 June 2022 primarily related to the disposal of James (Leeds) plus contingent fees and sell-on fees relating to former players.
Net finance costs
Net finance costs for the year ended 30 June 2023 were £21.4 million, compared to net finance costs of £62.2 million for the year ended 30 June 2022, primarily due to a favorable swing in foreign exchange rates resulting in unrealized foreign exchange gains on unhedged USD borrowings in the current year compared to unrealized foreign exchange losses in the prior year.
Income tax
The income tax credit for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £3.9 million, compared to £34.1 million for the year ended 30 June 2022. In both years the credit arose primarily as a result of deferred tax assets recognized in respect of losses arising in the respective year.
Safe Harbor
See the Section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Annual Report.
B.LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary cash requirements stem from the payment of transfer fees for the acquisition of players’ registrations, capital expenditure for the improvement of facilities at Old Trafford and Carrington, payment of interest on our borrowings, employee benefit expenses, other operating expenses and, for certain periods, dividends on our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Historically, we have met these cash requirements through a combination of operating cash flow and proceeds from transfer fees from the sale of players’ registrations. Our existing borrowings primarily consist of our secured term loan facility, our senior secured notes and outstanding drawdowns under our revolving facilities. We manage our cash flow interest rate risk where considered appropriate using interest rate swaps. Such interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting a portion of variable rate borrowings from floating to fixed rates. We have US dollar revenues that we use to hedge our US dollar borrowing exposure. We continue to evaluate our financing options and may, from time to time, take advantage of opportunities to repurchase or refinance all or a portion of our existing indebtedness to the extent such opportunities arise.
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Our business ordinarily generates a significant amount of cash from our Matchday revenues and commercial contractual arrangements at or near the beginning of our fiscal year, with a steady flow of other cash received throughout the fiscal year. In addition, we ordinarily generate a significant amount of our cash through advance receipts, including season tickets (which include general admission season tickets and seasonal hospitality tickets), most of which are received prior to the end of June for the following season. Our Broadcasting revenue from the Premier League and UEFA are paid periodically throughout the season, with primary payments made in late summer, December, January and the end of the football season. Our sponsorship and other commercial revenue tends to be paid either quarterly or annually in advance. However, while we typically have a high cash balance at the beginning of each fiscal year, this is largely attributable to deferred revenue, the majority of which falls under current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, and this deferred revenue is unwound through the statement of profit or loss over the course of the fiscal year. Over the course of a year, we use our cash on hand to pay employee benefit expenses, other operating expenses, interest payments and other liabilities as they become due. This typically results in negative working capital movement at certain times during the year. In the event it ever became necessary to access additional operating cash, we also have access to cash through our revolving facilities. As of 30 June 2023, we had £100 million of outstanding loans under our revolving facilities.
Pursuant to our contract with adidas, which began on 1 August 2015 and was extended subsequent to the balance sheet date, on 21 July 2023, the minimum guarantee payable by adidas over the life of the extended agreement to 30 June 2035 is £1,650 million, being £750 million per the original term, plus £900 million per the extension, subject to certain adjustments. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Revenue Sectors — Commercial – Retail, Merchandising, Apparel & Product Licensing” for additional information regarding our agreement with adidas.
We also maintain a mixture of long-term debt and capacity under our revolving facilities in order to ensure that we have sufficient funds available for short-term working capital requirements and for investment in the playing squad and other capital projects.
Our cost base is more evenly spread throughout the fiscal year than our cash inflows. Employee benefit expenses and fixed costs constitute the majority of our cash outflows and are generally paid evenly throughout the 12 months of the fiscal year.
In addition, transfer windows for acquiring and disposing of registrations occur in January and the summer. During these periods, we may require additional cash to meet our acquisition needs for new players and we may generate additional cash through the sale of existing registrations. Depending on the terms of the agreement, transfer fees may be paid or received by us in multiple installments, resulting in deferred cash paid or received. Although we have not historically drawn on our revolving facilities during the summer transfer window, if we seek to acquire players with values substantially in excess of the values of players we seek to sell, we may be required to utilize cash available from our revolving facilities to meet our cash needs.
Acquisition and disposal of registrations also affects our trade receivables and payables, which affects our overall working capital. Our trade receivables include accrued revenue from sponsors as well as transfer fees receivable from other football clubs, whereas our trade payables include transfer fees and other associated costs in relation to the acquisition of registrations.
Capital expenditures at Old Trafford
Our stadium, Old Trafford, remains one of our key assets and a significant part of the overall experience we provide to our followers. Old Trafford has been our home stadium since 1910 and has undergone significant changes over the years. To maintain the quality of service, enhance the fan experience and increase Matchday revenue, we continually invest in the refurbishment and regeneration of Old Trafford. Following a substantial development prior to the 2006/07 season, we expanded seating capacity at Old Trafford from approximately 68,000 to 74,240. In addition, we have continued to invest in improving hospitality suites and office and catering facilities through refurbishment programs.
We record these investments as capital expenditures. Capital expenditure at Old Trafford was £13.4 million, £4.1 million and £3.7 million for the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This related to carrying out major improvements at Old Trafford relating to the offices and hospitality suites, as well as the deployment of a new stadium Wi-Fi network.
In addition, we spent approximately £8.2 million, £0.7 million and £1.0 million for the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021 respectively at Carrington, our training facility. This includes carrying out major improvements to training pitches, upgrading the floodlighting system, and the expansion of our Women’s and Academy facilities.
Digital Media capital expenditure
We intend to continue investing in our digital media assets, including our website, mobile application and digital media capabilities.
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Net intangible asset – registrations capital expenditure
Our average net intangible asset – registrations capital expenditure over the last 5 years has been a cash outflow of £124.0 million per fiscal year. However, net intangible asset – registrations capital expenditure has varied significantly from period to period, as shown in the table below, and while we expect that trend to continue, competition for talented players may force clubs to spend increasing amounts on player registration fees. We may explore new player acquisitions in connection with future transfer periods that may materially increase the amount of our net intangible asset – registrations capital expenditure. Actual cash used or generated from net intangible asset – registrations capital expenditure is recorded on our statement of cash flow under net cash outflow or inflow from investing activities.
Last 5 Years Net Intangible Asset – Registrations Capital Expenditure(1)
| (1) | The net intangible asset – registrations capital expenditure data presented is the sum of all cash used for purchases of intangible assets – registrations and all cash generated from sales of intangible assets – registrations. |
Working Capital
Our directors confirmed that, as of the date of this Annual Report, after taking into account our current cash and cash equivalents and our anticipated cash flow from operating and financing activities, we believe that we have sufficient working capital for our present requirements for at least the next 12 months.
Commitments
As of 30 June 2023, the Group had contracted capital expenditure relating to property, plant and equipment amounting to £5,152,000 and to other intangible assets amounting to £nil. These amounts are not recognized as liabilities.
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Cash Flow
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Year ended 30 June | ||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
(in £ millions) | ||||||
Cash flow from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
| |
Cash generated from operations |
| 128.9 |
| 121.7 |
| 137.8 |
Interest paid |
| (32.0) |
| (20.6) |
| (20.5) |
Interest received |
| 0.5 |
| 0.1 |
| — |
Tax paid |
| (1.6) |
| (4.8) |
| (4.2) |
Net cash inflow from operating activities |
| 95.8 |
| 96.4 |
| 113.1 |
Cash flow from investing activities |
|
|
| |||
Payments for property, plant and equipment |
| (15.6) |
| (8.3) |
| (6.2) |
Payments for intangible assets |
| (156.2) |
| (115.4) |
| (138.2) |
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets |
| 31.6 |
| 30.3 |
| 46.0 |
Payments for derivative financial instruments |
| — |
| — |
| (0.9) |
Net cash outflow from investing activities |
| (140.2) |
| (93.4) |
| (99.3) |
Cash flow from financing activities |
|
|
| |||
Proceeds from borrowings |
| 100.0 |
| 40.0 |
| 60.0 |
Repayment of borrowings | (100.0) | — | — | |||
Principal elements of lease payments |
| (1.9) |
| (1.4) |
| (1.7) |
Dividends paid |
| — |
| (33.6) |
| (10.7) |
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities |
| (1.9) |
| 5.0 |
| 47.6 |
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents(1) |
| (46.3) |
| 8.0 |
| 61.4 |
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Cash generated from operations represents our operating results and net movements in our working capital. Our working capital is generally impacted by the timing of cash received from the sale of tickets and hospitality and other matchday revenues, broadcasting revenue from the Premier League and UEFA and commercial revenue. Cash generated from operations for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £128.9 million, an increase of £7.2 million from £121.7 million for the year ended 30 June 2022. This is primarily due to increased Commercial and Matchday revenues partially offset by lower Broadcasting revenues due to the men’s first team participating in the UEFA Europa League rather than the UEFA Champions League. Cash generated from operations for the year ended 30 June 2021 was £137.8 million.
Additional changes in net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities generally reflect our finance costs. We currently pay fixed rates of interest on our senior secured notes and variable rates of interest on our secured term loan facility and revolving facilities. We use interest rate swaps to manage the cash flow interest rate risk on our secured term loan facility. Such swaps have the economic effect of converting a portion of interest from variable rates to a fixed rate.
Interest paid was £32.0 million for the year ended 30 June 2023, an increase of £9.4 million on the year ended 30 June 2022 due to an increase in our drawdown under our revolving facilities during the year, which was repaid before 30 June 2023 and the impact of higher interest rates. Interest on our senior secured notes is normally paid semi-annually, at the beginning of August and at the beginning of February. Interest paid for the year ended 30 June 2021 was £20.5 million.
Net cash inflow from operating activities was £95.8 million for the year ended 30 June 2023, a decrease of £0.6 million compared to a net cash inflow of £96.4 million for the year ended 30 June 2022. Net cash outflow from operating activities for the year ended 30 June 2021 was £113.1 million.
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Capital expenditure for the acquisition of intangible assets as well as for improvements to property, principally at Old Trafford and Carrington, are funded through cash flow generated from operations, proceeds from the sale of intangible assets and, if necessary, from
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our revolving facilities. Capital expenditure on the acquisition, disposal and trading of intangible assets tends to vary significantly from year to year depending on the requirements of our men’s first team, overall availability of players, our assessment of their relative value and competitive demand for players from other clubs. By contrast, capital expenditure on the purchase of property, plant and equipment tends to remain relatively stable as we continue to make improvements at Old Trafford and Carrington.
Net cash outflow from investing activities for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £140.2 million, an increase of £46.8 million from £93.4 million for the year ended 30 June 2022. Net cash outflow from investing activities for the year ended 30 June 2021 was £99.3 million.
For the year ended 30 June 2023, net capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment was £15.6 million, an increase of £7.3 million from net expenditure of £8.3 million for the year ended 30 June 2022. Net capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment for the year ended 30 June 2021 was £6.2 million.
For the year ended 30 June 2023, net capital expenditure on intangible assets was £124.6 million, an increase of £39.5 million from net expenditure of £85.1 million for the year ended 30 June 2022. Net capital expenditure for the year ended 30 June 2023 was mainly comprised of payments made for the acquisitions of Antony, Casemiro, Martinez and Sancho less payments received relating primarily to the disposal of James, Lukaku and Pereira.
Net capital expenditure for the year ended 30 June 2022 was mainly comprised of payments made for the acquisitions of Sancho, Varane and Van de Beek and the extension of Fernandes, less payments received relating to the disposal of Lukaku.
Net capital expenditure for the year ended 30 June 2021 was mainly comprised of payments made for the acquisitions of Sancho, Varane and Van de Beek and the extension of Fernandes, less payments received relating to the disposal of Lukaku.
For the years ended 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022, net expenditure on derivative financial assets was £nil. Net expenditure on derivative financial assets for the year ended 30 June 2021 was £0.9 million.
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities
Net cash outflow from financing activities for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £1.9 million compared to net cash inflow of £5.0 million for the year ended 30 June 2022. During the year ended 30 June 2023, a drawdown of £100.0 million was made on our revolving facilities which was subsequently repaid before 30 June 2023.
During the year ended 30 June 2022, we made a drawdown of £40.0 million on our revolving facilities and paid three dividends amounting to £33.6 million.
Net cash inflow from financing activities for the year ended 30 June 2021 was £47.6 million. During the year ended 30 June 2021, we made a drawdown of £60.0 million on our revolving facilities and paid one dividend amounting to £10.7 million.
Indebtedness
Our primary sources of indebtedness consist of our senior secured notes, our secured term loan facility and our revolving facilities. As part of the security for our senior secured notes, our secured term loan facility and our revolving facilities, substantially all of our assets are subject to liens and mortgages.
Description of principal indebtedness
Senior secured notes
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Manchester United Football Club Limited, issued $425 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.79% senior secured notes (which we refer to throughout this Annual Report as the “senior secured notes”). As of 30 June 2023 the sterling equivalent of £332.1 million (net of unamortized issue costs of £2.1 million) was outstanding. The outstanding principal amount was $425.0 million. The senior secured notes mature on 25 June 2027.
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The senior secured notes are guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited and MU Finance Limited and secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities and Manchester United Football Club Limited. These entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
The note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes contains a financial maintenance covenant requiring us to maintain consolidated profit for the period before depreciation, amortization of, and profit/(loss) on disposal of, intangible assets, exceptional items, net finance costs, and tax (“EBITDA”) of not less than £65 million for each 12 month testing period. We are able to claim certain dispensations from complying with the consolidated EBITDA floor including up to twice (in non-consecutive financial years) during the life of the senior secured notes if we fail to qualify for the first round group stages (or its equivalent from time to time) of the Champions League. The impact of IFRS 16 is excluded for the purpose of covenant compliance testing. The covenant is tested on a quarterly basis and we were in compliance with the covenant for each quarter throughout the financial year.
The note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes contains events of default typical for securities of this type, as well as customary covenants and restrictions on the activities of Red Football Limited and each of Red Football Limited’s subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, the incurrence of additional indebtedness; dividends or distributions in respect of capital stock or certain other restricted payments or investments; entering into agreements that restrict distributions from restricted subsidiaries; the sale or disposal of assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries; transactions with affiliates; the incurrence of liens; and mergers, consolidations or the sale of substantially all of Red Football Limited’s assets. The covenants in the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes are subject to certain thresholds and exceptions described in the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes.
The senior secured notes may be redeemed in part, in an amount not less than 5% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior secured notes then outstanding, or in full, at any time at 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium of an amount equal to the discounted value (based on the US Treasury rate) of the remaining interest payments due on the senior secured notes up to 25 June 2027.
Secured term loan facility
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Manchester United Football Club Limited, has a secured term loan facility with Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company as lender. As of 30 June 2023, the sterling equivalent of £175.2 million (net of unamortized issue costs of £1.7 million) was outstanding. The outstanding principal amount was $225.0 million. The remaining balance of the secured term loan facility is repayable on 6 August 2029, although the Group has the option to repay the secured term loan facility at any time before then.
Loans under the secured term loan facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to US dollar SOFR plus a credit adjustment spread (provided that if the rate is less than zero, SOFR shall be deemed to be zero) plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin, if no event of default has occurred and is continuing, means the following:
| Margin % | |
Total net leverage ratio (as defined in the secured term loan facility agreement) |
| (per annum) |
Greater than 3.5 |
| 1.75 |
Greater than 2.0 but less than or equal to 3.5 |
| 1.50 |
Less than or equal to 2.0 |
| 1.25 |
While any event of default is continuing, the applicable margin shall be the highest level set forth above.
Our secured term loan facility is guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited, MU Finance Limited and Manchester United Football Club Limited and secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities. These entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
The secured term loan facility contains a financial maintenance covenant requiring us to maintain consolidated profit for the period before depreciation, amortization of, and profit/(loss) on disposal of, intangible assets, exceptional items, net finance costs, and tax (“EBITDA”) of not less than £65 million for each 12 month testing period. We are able to claim certain dispensations from complying with the consolidated EBITDA floor including up to twice (in non-consecutive financial years) during the life of the secured term loan facility if we fail to qualify for the first round group stages (or its equivalent from time to time) of the Champions League. The impact of IFRS 16 is excluded for the purpose of covenant compliance testing. The covenant is tested on a quarterly basis and we were in compliance with the covenant for each quarter throughout the financial year.
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Our secured term loan facility contains events of default typical in facilities of this type, as well as typical covenants including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, paying dividends or making other distributions or repurchasing or redeeming our stock, selling assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, entering into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, consolidating, merging, selling or otherwise disposing of all or substantially all of our assets, entering into sale and leaseback transactions, entering into transactions with our affiliates and incurring liens. Certain events of default and covenants in the secured term loan facility are subject to certain thresholds and exceptions described in the agreement governing the secured term loan facility.
Revolving facilities
Our revolving facilities agreement originally dated 22 May 2015 (as amended on 7 October 2015, amended and restated on 4 April 2019, 4 March 2021 and 10 December 2021 and amended on 4 November 2022) (the “initial revolving facility”) allows Manchester United Football Club Limited (or any direct or indirect subsidiary of Red Football Limited that becomes a borrower thereunder) to borrow up to £150 million from a syndicate of lenders with Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company as agent and security trustee. As of 30 June 2023, we had £25 million in outstanding loans and £125 million in borrowing capacity under our initial revolving facility.
The initial revolving facility is scheduled to expire on 4 April 2025. Any amount still outstanding at that time will be due in full immediately on the applicable expiry date.
Subject to certain conditions, we may voluntarily prepay and/or permanently cancel all or part of the available commitments under the initial revolving facility by giving not less than three business days’ prior notice to the agent under the facility. Any loan drawn under the initial revolving facility is required to be repaid on the last day of each of its interest periods. Amounts repaid may (subject to the terms of the revolving facilities agreement) be re-borrowed.
Loans under the initial revolving facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to SONIA plus a credit adjustment spread (or in relation to a loan in euros, EURIBOR or in relation to a loan in USD, SOFR plus a credit adjustment spread) (provided that if that rate is less than zero, SONIA or, as the case may be, EURIBOR or SOFR (as applicable), shall be deemed to be zero) plus the applicable margin.
The applicable margin, if no event of default has occurred and is continuing, means the following:
| Margin % | |
Total net leverage ratio (as defined in the revolving facilities agreement) |
| (per annum) |
Greater than 3.5 |
| 1.75 |
Greater than 2.0 but less than or equal to 3.5 |
| 1.50 |
Less than or equal to 2.0 |
| 1.25 |
While any default is continuing, the applicable margin shall be the highest level set forth above.
A commitment fee is payable on the available but undrawn amount of the initial revolving facility, at a rate equal to 40% per annum of the applicable margin.
Our initial revolving facility is guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited, MU Finance Limited and Manchester United Football Club Limited and secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities. These entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
In addition to the general covenants described below, the initial revolving facility contains a financial maintenance covenant requiring us to maintain consolidated EBITDA of not less than £65 million for each 12 month testing period. We are able to claim certain dispensations from complying with the consolidated EBITDA floor including up to twice (in non-consecutive financial years) during the life of the initial revolving facility if we fail to qualify for the first round group stages (or its equivalent from time to time) of the Champions League. In addition, in the event that the financial covenant is not complied with, such non-compliance may also be cured with the cash proceeds of additional shareholder funding or subordinated shareholder funding no later than the end of the period 20 business days following the earlier of the date on which the compliance certificate setting out the calculations in respect of the relevant covenant determination is required to be delivered and the date on which it is delivered under the terms of the revolving facilities agreement, and no equity cures may be made in consecutive financial quarters or on more than four occasions over the life of the initial revolving facility. The impact of IFRS 16 is excluded for the purpose of covenant compliance testing.
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Our initial revolving facility contains events of default typical in facilities of this type, as well as typical covenants including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, paying dividends or making other distributions or repurchasing or redeeming our stock, making investments, selling assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, entering into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, consolidating, merging, selling or otherwise disposing of all or substantially all of our assets, entering into sale and leaseback transactions, entering into transactions with our affiliates and incurring liens. Certain events of default and covenants in the initial revolving facility are subject to certain thresholds and exceptions described in the agreement governing the initial revolving facility.
Our revolving facility agreement originally dated 14 October 2020 (as amended and restated on 4 March 2021, 13 December 2021 and 26 April 2022 and amended on 4 November 2022) (the “new revolving facility”) allows Manchester United Football Club Limited (or any direct or indirect subsidiary of Red Football Limited that becomes a borrower thereunder) to borrow up to £75 million from Santander UK plc as original lender and with Santander UK plc as agent and with Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company as security trustee. The general covenants under the new revolving facility agreement are consistent with the initial revolving facilities agreement. As of 30 June 2023, we had £25 million in outstanding loans and £50 million in borrowing capacity under our new revolving facility.
The new revolving facility has a maturity date of 25 June 2027.
Subject to certain conditions, we may voluntarily prepay and/or permanently cancel all or part of the available commitments under the new revolving facility by giving not less than three business days’ prior notice to the agent under the facility. Any loan drawn under the new revolving facility is required to be repaid on the last day of each of its interest periods. Amounts repaid may (subject to the terms of the revolving facility agreement) be re-borrowed.
Loans under the new revolving facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to SONIA, plus a credit adjustment spread (provided that if that rate is less than zero, SONIA shall be deemed to be zero) plus a margin of 2.5% per annum.
A commitment fee is payable on the available but undrawn amount of the new revolving facility, at a rate equal to 50% per annum of the above margin.
Our new revolving facility is guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited, MU Finance Limited and Manchester United Football Club Limited and secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities. These entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
In addition to the general covenants described below, the new revolving facility contains a financial maintenance covenant requiring us to maintain consolidated EBITDA of not less than £65 million for each 12 month testing. We are able to claim certain dispensations from complying with the consolidated EBITDA floor including up to twice (in non-consecutive financial years) during the life of the new revolving facility if we fail to qualify for the first round group stages (or its equivalent from time to time) of the Champions League. In addition, in the event that the financial covenant is not complied with, such non-compliance may also be cured with the cash proceeds of additional shareholder funding or subordinated shareholder funding no later than the end of the period 20 business days following the earlier of the date on which the compliance certificate setting out the calculations in respect of the relevant covenant determination is required to be delivered and the date on which it is delivered under the terms of the revolving facilities agreement, and no equity cures may be made in consecutive financial quarters or on more than four occasions over the life of the new revolving facility. The impact of IFRS 16 is excluded for the purpose of covenant compliance testing.
Our new revolving facility contains events of default typical in facilities of this type, as well as typical covenants including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, paying dividends or making other distributions or repurchasing or redeeming our stock, making investments, selling assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, entering into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, consolidating, merging, selling or otherwise disposing of all or substantially all of our assets, entering into sale and leaseback transactions, entering into transactions with our affiliates and incurring liens. Certain events of default and covenants in the new revolving facility are subject to certain thresholds and exceptions described in the agreement governing the new revolving facility.
On 26 April 2022 we entered into a new bilateral revolving facility agreement which was amended on 4 November 2022 (the “bilateral revolving facility”) which allows Manchester United Football Club Limited (or any direct or indirect subsidiary of Red Football Limited that becomes a borrower thereunder) to borrow up to £75 million from Bank of America, N.A., London Branch as original lender and with Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company as agent and security trustee. The general covenants
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under the bilateral revolving facility agreement are consistent with the initial revolving facilities agreement. As of 30 June 2023, we had £50 million in outstanding loans and £25 million in borrowing capacity under our bilateral revolving facility.
The bilateral revolving facility has a maturity date of 25 June 2027.
Subject to certain conditions, we may voluntarily prepay and/or permanently cancel all or part of the available commitments under the bilateral revolving facility by giving not less than three business days’ prior notice to the agent under the facility. Any loan drawn under the bilateral revolving facility is required to be repaid on the last day of each of its interest periods. Amounts repaid may (subject to the terms of the revolving facility agreement) be re-borrowed.
Loans under the bilateral revolving facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to SONIA plus a credit adjustment spread (or in relation to a loan in euros, EURIBOR or in relation to a loan in USD, SOFR plus a credit adjustment spread) (provided that if that rate is less than zero, SONIA or, as the case may be, EURIBOR or SOFR (as applicable), shall be deemed to be zero) plus a margin of 2.5% per annum.
A commitment fee is payable on the available but undrawn amount of the bilateral revolving facility, at a rate equal to 40% per annum of the above margin.
Our bilateral revolving facility is guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Manchester United Limited, MU Finance Limited and Manchester United Football Club Limited and secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities. These entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
In addition to the general covenants described below, the bilateral revolving facility contains a financial maintenance covenant requiring us to maintain consolidated EBITDA of not less than £65 million for each 12 month testing period. We are able to claim certain dispensations from complying with the consolidated EBITDA floor including up to twice (in non-consecutive financial years) during the life of the initial revolving facility if we fail to qualify for the first round group stages (or its equivalent from time to time) of the Champions League. In addition, in the event that the financial covenant is not complied with, such non-compliance may also be cured with the cash proceeds of additional shareholder funding or subordinated shareholder funding no later than the end of the period 20 business days following the earlier of the date on which the compliance certificate setting out the calculations in respect of the relevant covenant determination is required to be delivered and the date on which it is delivered under the terms of the revolving facilities agreement, and no equity cures may be made in consecutive financial quarters or on more than four occasions over the life of the bilateral revolving facility. The impact of IFRS 16 is excluded for the purpose of covenant compliance testing.
Our bilateral revolving facility contains events of default typical in facilities of this type, as well as typical covenants including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, paying dividends or making other distributions or repurchasing or redeeming our stock, making investments, selling assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, entering into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, consolidating, merging, selling or otherwise disposing of all or substantially all of our assets, entering into sale and leaseback transactions, entering into transactions with our affiliates and incurring liens. Certain events of default and covenants in the bilateral revolving facility are subject to certain thresholds and exceptions described in the agreement governing the bilateral revolving facility.
As of 30 June 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants under our debt facilities.
Off balance sheet arrangements
Transfer fees payable
Under the terms of certain contracts with other football clubs in respect of player transfers, additional amounts would be payable by us if certain specific performance conditions are met. As noted above, we estimate the value of any contingent consideration at the date of acquisition based on the probability of conditions being met and monitor this on an ongoing basis. The maximum additional amount that could be payable as of 30 June 2023 is £133.1 million.
Transfer fees receivable
Similarly, under the terms of contracts with other football clubs for player transfers, additional amounts would be payable to us if certain specific performance conditions are met. In accordance with the recognition criteria for contingent assets, such amounts are
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only disclosed by the Company when probable and recognized when virtually certain. As of 30 June 2023, we believe receipt of £nil to be probable.
Other commitments
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into capital commitments. These transactions are recognized in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB, and are more fully disclosed therein.
As of 30 June 2023, we had not entered into any other off-balance sheet transactions.
C.RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.
We do not currently have, and have not had during the past three years, any research and development policies in place. See “Item 4. Information on the Company – Intellectual Property” and note 4 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for information about our intellectual property and licenses, respectively.
D.TREND INFORMATION
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this Annual Report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events since 30 June 2023 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.
E.CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of our financial information requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions concerning the future. Estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.
For a summary of all of our significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022 and for the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021 included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
We believe that the following accounting policies reflect the most critical estimates and assumptions and are significant to the consolidated financial statements.
We do not consider there to be any significant judgments in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Recognition of revenue
Commercial
Commercial revenue (whether settled in cash or value in kind) comprises revenue receivable from the exploitation of the Manchester United brand through sponsorship and other commercial agreements, including minimum guaranteed revenue, revenue receivable from retailing Manchester United branded merchandise in the United Kingdom and licensing the manufacture, distribution and sale of such goods globally, and fees for the Manchester United men’s first team undertaking tours.
A number of our sponsorship contracts contain significant estimates in relation to our allocation and recognition of revenue in line with performance obligations. Minimum guaranteed revenue is recognized over the term of the sponsorship agreement in line with the performance obligations included within the contract and based on the sponsorship benefits enjoyed by the individual sponsor. In instances where the sponsorship rights remain the same over the duration of the contract, revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied evenly over time (i.e. on a straight-line basis).
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Subsequent to the balance sheet date, on 21 July 2023, the Group signed a 10-year extension to its agreement with adidas which began on 1 August 2015 and now terminates on 30 June 2035. The minimum guarantee payable over the term of this extended agreement is £750 million per the original term and an additional £900 million due under the extension, resulting in a total of £1,650 million, subject to certain adjustments. Payments due in a particular year may increase if the club’s men’s or women’s first teams win the Premier League or Women’s Super League, respectively, FA Cup or continental competitions with the maximum possible increase being £4.4 million per annum. Payments may decrease if the men’s first team fails to participate in the UEFA Champions League. Under the original term, if the men’s first team did not participate in the UEFA Champions League for two or more consecutive seasons, a deduction of 30% was made in the second or other consecutive year of non-participation. As a result of the men’s first team qualifying for the 2023/24 Champions League, no deductions are due under the original term. Under the extended term, this clause has been amended to state that a £10 million deduction will be applied for each year of non-participation in the UEFA Champions League, commencing from the 2025/26 season. Participation in the UEFA Champions League is typically secured via a top 4 finish in the Premier League or winning the UEFA Europa League, and revenue is recognized based on management’s estimate of how many non-participation events will occur over the life of the contract. In line with IFRS 15, this estimate is considered at each reporting date.
Broadcasting and Matchday
For our accounting policies relating to Broadcasting revenue and Matchday revenue, which management does not consider to involve critical estimates and judgments, see Notes 4.3(ii) and (iii) to our audited consolidated financial statements as of 30 June 2023 and 2022 and for the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021 included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Value of intangible assets — registrations
The costs associated with the acquisition of players’ and key football management staff registrations are capitalized as intangible assets at the value of the consideration payable, including an estimate of the value of any contingent consideration based on probability of payment being made at the balance sheet date. Subsequent reassessments of the amount of contingent consideration payable are also included in the cost of the individual’s registration. The estimate of the value of the contingent consideration payable requires management to assess the likelihood of specific performance conditions being met which would trigger the payment of the contingent consideration such as the number of player appearances. This assessment is carried out on an individual basis. Costs associated with the acquisition of players’ and key football management staff registrations include transfer fees, Premier League levy fees, agents’ fees and other directly attributable costs. These costs are amortized over the period covered by the individual’s contract. To the extent that an individual’s contract is extended, the remaining book value is amortized over the remaining revised contract life. See “B. Liquidity and Capital Resources – Off Balance Sheet Arrangements”.
Recognition of deferred tax assets
We recognize deferred tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the associated deductions will be available for use against future profits and that there will be sufficient future taxable profit available against which the temporary differences can be utilized, provided the asset can be reliably quantified. In estimating future taxable profit, management use “base case” approved forecasts which incorporate a number of assumptions, including a prudent level of future uncontracted revenue in the forecast period. In arriving at a judgment in relation to the recognition of deferred tax assets, management considers the regulations applicable to tax and advice on their interpretation. Future taxable income may be higher or lower than estimates made when determining whether it is appropriate to record a tax asset and the amount to be recorded. Furthermore, changes in the legislative framework or applicable tax case law may result in management reassessing the recognition of deferred tax assets in future periods.
Recognition of tax related provisions
The Group is subject to a number of ongoing player related tax enquiries with HMRC, and management regularly estimates the expected amounts payable as a result of these enquiries. Provisions are recognized based on management’s best estimate at the end of the reporting period of the probable future cash flows required to settle future liabilities which by their nature are uncertain. Management considers both the facts and evidence of each case on an individual basis, combined with our knowledge and experience in similar matters in estimating the value of these provisions. These provisions may change over time as a result of developments in the enquiries, additional evidence, or changes in precedent from other similar cases in the industry. The timing of these expected outflows is also by its nature uncertain and are therefore recognized based on management’s best estimate.
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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A.DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The following table lists each of our current executive officers and directors and their respective ages and positions as of the date of this Annual Report.
Name |
| Age |
| Position |
| Director Position Held Since |
|
Avram Glazer | 62 | Executive Co-Chairman and Director | May 2012 | ||||
Joel Glazer | 56 | Executive Co-Chairman and Director | May 2012 | ||||
Richard Arnold | 52 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | August 2012 | ||||
Cliff Baty | 53 | Chief Financial Officer and Director | December 2017 | ||||
Patrick Stewart | 51 | Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Director | December 2022 | ||||
Kevin Glazer | 61 | Director | August 2012 | ||||
Bryan Glazer | 58 | Director | August 2012 | ||||
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz | 55 | Director | September 2012 | ||||
Edward Glazer | 53 | Director | November 2012 | ||||
Robert Leitão | 60 | Director | August 2012 | ||||
Manu Sawhney | 56 | Director | September 2012 | ||||
John Hooks | 67 | Director | November 2012 |
The following is a brief biography of each of our executive officers and directors:
Avram Glazer, aged 62, is Executive Co-Chairman and a Director of the Company. He is currently a director of Red Football Limited and Co-Chairman of Manchester United Limited. Mr. Glazer served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Zapata Corporation, a US public company from March 1995 to July 2009 and Chairman of the board of Zapata Corporation from March 2002 to July 2009. Mr. Glazer received a business degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1982. He received a law degree from American University, Washington College of Law in 1985.
Joel Glazer, aged 56, is Executive Co-Chairman and a Director of the Company. He is currently a director of Red Football Limited and Co-Chairman of Manchester United Limited. Mr. Glazer is Co-Chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mr. Glazer is a member of the NFL Finance, International, Media, and Legalized Sports Betting Committees. Mr. Glazer graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree.
Richard Arnold, aged 52, is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company. In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Arnold oversees all commercial and operational aspects of the Company. Mr. Arnold also serves as Chairman of the Manchester United Foundation. In a previous role as Commercial Director (until June 2013) he was responsible for the management and growth of the Company’s sponsorship business, retail, merchandising, apparel & product licensing business, and digital media business. In this capacity he was nominated for SportBusiness International’s Sports innovator of the year list in 2011. In each of 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, Mr. Arnold has been named as an LGBT+ Executive Ally by the charity OUTstanding, in recognition of the work he has done to progress LGBT+ inclusion at Manchester United for employees and supporters. In addition to this, Mr. Arnold was named as Diversity Ally of the Year at the European Diversity Awards in 2019. Mr. Arnold was previously Deputy Managing Director of InterVoice Ltd responsible for the international channel sales and marketing division of InterVoice Inc., a NASDAQ listed technology company, between 2002 and 2007. He was nominated as a finalist for Young Director of the Year by the United Kingdom Institute of Directors in 2004 and 2005. Prior to InterVoice, he worked at Global Crossing Europe Ltd, a company in the technology sector, on its restructure between 1999 and 2002. Prior to this he was a senior manager in the telecommunications and media practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from 1993 to 1999, including working on the privatization of the Saudi Telecommunications Corporation and the Initial Public Offering of Orange in the United Kingdom. He received an honors Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Bristol University in 1993 and received his Chartered Accountancy qualification in 1996.
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Cliff Baty, aged 53, is the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and a Director of the Company. He was appointed to our board of directors in December 2017. He is responsible for managing all aspects of financial reporting and financial control of the Company and is also responsible for the club’s Strategy and Planning function. Mr. Baty joined Manchester United in 2016. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Baty served as Chief Financial Officer and member of the board of directors of Sportech plc, a leading pool betting operator and technology supplier, from 2013 to 2016. Prior to Sportech, he worked at Ladbrokes plc from 2006 to 2013 in a number of senior finance roles including Finance Director of its eGaming and International businesses, as well as Ladbrokes businesses in Spain, Italy and South Africa. Before that he was Group Financial Controller of Hilton Group plc from 2004 to 2006. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young, where he worked for 10 years. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Oriel College, Oxford University in 1992.
Patrick Stewart, aged 51, is the Company’s Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, and a Director of the Company. He has been with Manchester United since 2006. He is responsible for managing the Company’s legal and regulatory affairs as well as its relationships with football stakeholders. Having been nominated by the European Club Association, Patrick was appointed as an arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland in 2018. Prior to joining the Company, he worked for two leading UK commercial law firms and TEAM Marketing AG, the Swiss sports marketing agency responsible for selling the commercial rights to the UEFA Champions League. Patrick studied at the University of Glasgow and the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz (Germany) and received a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree in 1994, before qualifying as a solicitor in 1997.
Kevin Glazer, aged 61, is a Director of the Company. He is currently a director of Red Football Limited and a director of Manchester United Limited. He is the CEO and owner of Glazer Properties. Mr. Glazer graduated from Ithaca College in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.
Bryan Glazer, aged 58, is a Director of the Company. He is currently a director of Red Football Limited and Manchester United Limited. He is the Co-Chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and also serves on the NFL’s Media Owned and Operated Committee. Mr. Glazer serves on the board of directors of the Glazer Children’s Museum. He received a bachelor’s degree from the American University in Washington, D.C., in 1986 and received his law degree from Whittier College School of Law in 1989.
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, aged 55, is a Director of the Company. She is currently a director of Red Football Limited. Ms. Glazer Kassewitz is the President of the Glazer Vision Foundation. She graduated cum laude from the American University in 1990 and received a law degree in 1993 from Suffolk Law School.
Edward Glazer, aged 53, is a Director of the Company. He is currently a non-executive director of Red Football Limited. He is Co-Chairman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chairman of US Property Trust and US Auto Trust. Mr. Glazer received a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College.
Robert Leitão, aged 60, is a Director of the Company. He is Managing Partner of Rothschild & Co Gestion, the top holding company of the Rothschild & Co Group. Rothschild & Co Gestion is responsible for all aspects of the Rothschild & Co Group strategy, team and operations across its global network of 50+ offices. Robert is also Co-Chairman of the Rothschild & Co Group Executive Committee and Head of Global Advisory, the leading advisory firm in the world. He also serves as Chief Executive of NM Rothschild & Sons, Rothschild & Co’s subsidiary in the United Kingdom. Prior to joining Rothschild & Co in 1998, Robert was a Director and Head of UK M&A at Morgan Grenfell & Co. Limited. He graduated with a degree in Engineering from Imperial College, London, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co (KPMG). Robert serves as a Member of the Advisory Board of Lowy Family Partners, the private investment business and family office of the Lowy family; Chairman of the not-for-profit digital charity box, Pennies Foundation; and a Member of the Advisory Board of the charity, Centre for Entrepreneurs.
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Manu Sawhney, aged 56, is a Director of the Company. With over 29 years of rich experience in the sports, media, entertainment and consumer industry, Mr. Sawhney until recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC). ICC is the global governing body for the sport of cricket representing 105 members, the ICC governs and administrates the game and is responsible for the staging of major international tournaments including the ICC Men’s World Cup and Women’s World Cup and the ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups as well as all associated qualifying events. Mr. Sawhney prior to this role served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Sports Hub, one of the largest sporting Public-Private Partnerships in the world, and the city-state’s premier sporting, lifestyle and entertainment destination. Mr. Sawhney previously served as the Managing Director of ESPN STAR Sports (ESS), a 50:50 joint venture for Asia between ESPN and News Corp, and reported directly to the board of directors. He was responsible for the overall business leadership and P&L of the company across 24 countries in Asia. Prior to heading ESS’s Asia operations, Mr. Sawhney served as the Executive Vice President of Programming/Event Management/Marketing/ Network Presentation, wherein he negotiated and secured various multi-year renewals of key global and regional rights & affiliate deals. Mr. Sawhney also previously served as the Managing Director of ESS’s South Asia business based out of India. Mr. Sawhney holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, India, and received his Masters in International Business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, India. Mr. Sawhney also served on the Steering Committee of the 28th South East Asian Games and is a member of the Young Presidents Organisation.
John Hooks, aged 67, is a Director of the Company. He has been in the luxury fashion industry for over 40 years and has held positions in some of the sector’s most influential companies. After graduating from Oxford University, he entered the fashion industry through Gruppo Finanziario Tessile (GFT) in Turin, Italy. For three years he was the commercial director for the prêt-à-porter collection of Valentino. From 1988 to 1994, based in Hong Kong, he was responsible for the establishment of GFT’s regional subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia as well as in mainland China (in 1988, the first major foreign fashion company to establish a direct presence in that country). From 1995 to 2000 he was Commercial and Marketing Director of Jil Sander in Hamburg, Germany. In 2000, Mr. Hooks joined Giorgio Armani as Group Commercial and Marketing Director, considerably expanding the company’s global wholesale and retail network. He was subsequently appointed Deputy Chairman of the Giorgio Armani Group. From 2011 to 2014, he was Group President of Ralph Lauren Europe and Middle East. Mr. Hooks currently works as an independent consultant. From 2016 to 2021 he was a senior adviser to McKinsey & Company.
Family Relationships
Our Executive Co-Chairmen and directors Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer, and directors Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and Edward Glazer are siblings.
Arrangements or Understandings
None of our executive officers or directors have any arrangement or understanding with our principal shareholders, customers, suppliers or other persons pursuant to which such executive officer or director was selected as an executive officer or director.
B.COMPENSATION
We set out below the amount of compensation paid and benefits in kind provided by us or our subsidiaries to our directors and members of the executive management for services in all capacities to our Company or our subsidiaries for the 2023 fiscal year, as well as the amount contributed by our Company or our subsidiaries to retirement benefit plans for our directors and members of the executive management board.
Directors and Executive Management Compensation
The compensation for each member of our executive management is comprised of the following elements: base salary, bonus, contractual benefits and pension contributions. The total amount of compensation (including share-based payments) paid or payable and benefits in kind provided to the members of our board of directors and our executive management employees for the fiscal year 2023 was £7,195,000. We do not currently maintain any bonus or profit-sharing plan for the benefit of the members of our executive management; however, certain members of our executive management are eligible to receive annual bonuses (including share-based awards) pursuant to the terms of their service agreements. The total amount set aside or accrued by us to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits to our directors and our executive management employees with respect to the fiscal year 2023 was £8,000.
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Employment or Service Agreements
We have entered into written employment or service agreements with each of the members of our executive management, which agreements provide, among other things, for benefits upon a termination of employment. In order to align the interests of our executive management with our shareholders, members of our executive management are eligible to receive annual share-based awards (or cash and share-based awards) pursuant to our 2012 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the “Equity Plan”). The amount of the awards will generally be subject to the discretion of our board of directors and our remuneration committee. In order to encourage retention, the awards are eligible to become vested over a multi-year period following the date of grant. In connection with their receipt of the awards, each member of our executive management will agree to hold a minimum of that number of Class A ordinary shares with a value equal to such member’s annual salary for so long as such member is employed by us.
We have not entered into written employment or service agreements with our outside directors, including any member of the Glazer family. However, we may in the future enter into employment or services agreements with such individuals, the terms of which may provide for, among other things, cash or equity based compensation and benefits.
Share-Based Compensation Awards
We currently have one share-based compensation award plan, namely the 2012 Equity Incentive Award Plan, established in 2012 (the “Equity Plan”).
The Equity Plan
The principal purpose of the Equity Plan is to attract, retain and motivate selected employees, consultants and non-employee directors through the granting of share-based and cash-based compensation awards. The principal features of the Equity Plan are summarized below.
During the year ended 30 June 2023, certain directors and members of executive management were awarded Class A ordinary shares, pursuant to the Equity Plan. These shares are subject to varying vesting schedules over a multi-year period. The fair value of these shares was the quoted market price on the date of award. Details of the share awards outstanding and therefore potentially issuable as new shares are as follows:
Number of Class A | ||
| ordinary shares | |
Outstanding at beginning of the year |
| 192,051 |
Awarded during the year |
| 108,298 |
Vested during the year |
| (96,871) |
Outstanding at the end of the year |
| 203,478 |
The fair value of shares awarded during the year was $23.85 (£18.75) per share. Awards made in the year ended 30 June 2023 were approved by the Remuneration Committee subsequent to the year-end date.
Share reserve
Under the Equity Plan, 16,000,000 Class A ordinary shares are reserved for issuance pursuant to a variety of share-based compensation awards, including share options, share appreciation rights, or SARs, restricted share awards, restricted share unit awards, deferred share awards, deferred share unit awards, dividend equivalent awards, share payment awards and other share-based awards. Of these reserved shares, assuming the above outstanding share awards fully vest, 14,679,924 shares remain available for issuance as of 2 September 2023.
Administration
The remuneration committee of our board of directors (or other committee as our board of directors may appoint) administers the Equity Plan unless our board of directors assumes authority for administration. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Equity Plan, the administrator has the authority to select the persons to whom awards are to be made, determines the types of awards to be granted, the number of shares to be subject to awards and the terms and conditions of awards, and makes all other determinations and can take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration of the Equity Plan. The administrator is also authorized to adopt, amend or rescind rules relating to the administration of the Equity Plan. Our board of directors has the authority at all times to remove the
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remuneration committee (or other applicable committee) as the administrator and reinstate itself as the authority to administer the Equity Plan.
Eligibility
The Equity Plan provides that share options, share appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted shares and all other awards may be granted to individuals who will then be our non-employee directors, officers, employees or consultants or the non-employee directors, officers, employees or consultants of certain of our subsidiaries.
Awards
The Equity Plan provides that the administrator may grant or issue share options, SARs, restricted shares, restricted share units, deferred shares, deferred share units, dividend equivalents, share payments and other share-based awards, or any combination thereof. Each award will be set forth in a separate agreement with the person receiving the award and will indicate the type, terms and conditions of the award.
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Change in control
The Equity Plan provides that the administrator may, in its discretion, provide that awards issued under the Equity Plan are subject to acceleration, cash-out, termination, assumption, substitution or conversion of such awards in the event of a change in control or certain other unusual or nonrecurring events or transactions. In addition, the administrator also has complete discretion to structure one or more awards under the Equity Plan to provide that such awards become vested and exercisable or payable on an accelerated basis in the event such awards are assumed or replaced with equivalent awards but the individual’s service with us or the acquiring entity is subsequently terminated within a designated period following the change in control event. A change in control event under the Equity Plan is generally defined as a merger, consolidation, reorganization or business combination in which we are involved, directly or indirectly (other than a merger, consolidation, reorganization or business combination which results in our outstanding voting securities immediately before the transaction continuing to represent a majority of the voting power of the acquiring company’s outstanding voting securities) after which a person or group (other than our existing equity-holders) beneficially owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving entity immediately after the transaction, or the sale, exchange or transfer of all or substantially all of our assets.
Adjustments of awards
In the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation, spin-off, recapitalization, distribution of our assets to shareholders (other than normal cash dividends) or any other corporate event affecting the number of outstanding Class A ordinary shares in our capital or the share price of our Class A ordinary shares that would require adjustments to the Equity Plan or any awards under the Equity Plan in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the potential benefits intended to be made available thereunder, the Equity Plan provides that the administrator may make equitable adjustments, as determined in its discretion, to the aggregate number and type of shares subject to the Equity Plan, the number and kind of shares subject to outstanding awards and the terms and conditions of outstanding awards (including, without limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect to such awards), and the grant or exercise price per share of any outstanding awards under the Equity Plan.
Amendment and termination
The Equity Plan provides that our board of directors or the remuneration committee (with the approval of the board of directors) may terminate, amend or modify the Equity Plan at any time and from time to time. However, the Equity Plan generally requires us to obtain shareholder approval to the extent required by applicable law, rule or regulation (including any applicable stock exchange law), including in connection with any amendments to increase the number of shares available under the Equity Plan (other than in connection with certain corporate events, as described above).
Securities laws
The Equity Plan is designed to comply with all applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and, to the extent applicable, any and all regulations and rules promulgated by the SEC thereunder. The Equity Plan is administered, and stock options
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will be granted and may be exercised, only in such a manner as to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. On 13 August 2012, we filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-8 covering Class A ordinary shares issuable under the Equity Plan.
UK Subplan
Our board of directors approved the 2012 UK Company Share Option UK Sub-Plan on 10 September 2013. This is a sub-plan to the Equity Plan which allows for the grant of stock options in a tax efficient manner to employees who are UK residents. It derives its powers and authority from the Equity Plan and does not create any enhanced or additional rights. This sub-plan does not increase the share reserve under the Equity Plan.
C.BOARD PRACTICES
Board of directors
We currently have 12 directors on our board of directors, two of whom, Messrs. John Hooks and Manu Sawhney, have been determined by the board of directors to qualify as an “independent director” pursuant to rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Any director on our board may be removed by way of an ordinary resolution of shareholders or by our shareholders holding a majority of the voting power of our outstanding ordinary shares by notice in writing to the Company. Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that each director elected at a general meeting shall be elected to hold office for a one-year term and until the election of their respective successors in office or their earlier death, resignation or removal. Any vacancies on our board of directors or additions to the existing board of directors can be filled by the board of directors or by our shareholders holding a majority of the voting power of our outstanding ordinary shares by notice in writing to the Company. For more information on the length of time each director has served, see “Item 6.A. Directors and Senior Management.”
We have entered into written employment or service agreements with certain of the members of our board of directors, which agreements provide, amongst other things, for benefits upon termination of employment. We have not entered into written employment or service agreements with our outside directors, including any member of the Glazer family.
Committees of the Board of directors and Corporate Governance
Our board of directors has established an audit committee and a remuneration committee. The composition and responsibilities of each committee are described below. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our board of directors. In the future, our board of directors may establish other committees, as it deems appropriate, to assist with its responsibilities.
Audit committee
Our audit committee consists of Messrs. John Hooks and Manu Sawhney. Our board of directors determined that each of Messrs. John Hooks and Manu Sawhney is financially literate and satisfies the “independence” requirements set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Mr. Manu Sawhney acts as chairman of our audit committee and has been determined by the board of directors to qualify as an audit committee financial expert as set forth under the applicable rules of the Exchange Act. A copy of our audit committee charter is available on our website at https://ir.manutd.com/. The information contained on or through our website, or any other website referred to herein, is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report. The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
· | selecting our independent registered public accounting firm and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm; |
· | reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm any audit issues or difficulties and management’s response; |
· | discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and our independent registered public accounting firm; |
· | reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of significant control deficiencies; |
· | annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter; |
· | such other matters that are specifically delegated to our audit committee by our board of directors from time to time; and |
· | meeting separately and periodically with management, our internal auditors and our independent registered public accounting firm. |
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Remuneration committee
Our remuneration committee consists of Messrs. Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer and Robert Leitão. Mr. Joel Glazer is the chairman of our remuneration committee. A copy of our remuneration committee charter is available on our website at https://ir.manutd.com/. The information contained on or through our website, or any other website referred to herein, is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report. The remuneration committee is responsible for, among other things:
· | determining the levels of remuneration for each of our executive officers and directors; however, no member of the remuneration committee will participate in decisions relating to his or her remuneration; |
· | establishing and reviewing the objectives of our management compensation programs and compensation policies; |
· | reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the remuneration of senior management, including annual and long-term performance goals and objectives; |
· | evaluating the performance of members of senior management and recommending and monitoring the remuneration of members of senior management; and |
· | reviewing, approving and recommending the adoption of any equity-based or non-equity based compensation plan for our employees or consultants and administering such plan. |
We have availed ourselves of certain exemptions afforded to foreign private issuers under New York Stock Exchange rules, which exempt us from the requirement that we have a remuneration committee composed entirely of independent directors.
D.EMPLOYEES
Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, including directors, was as follows:
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| Number |
| Number |
| Number | |
Average number of employees: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Football – men’s and women’s players |
| 131 |
| 124 |
| 118 |
Football - technical and coaching |
| 192 |
| 189 |
| 176 |
Commercial |
| 167 |
| 151 |
| 131 |
Media |
| 104 |
| 94 |
| 90 |
Administration and other |
| 518 |
| 477 |
| 468 |
Average monthly number of employees |
| 1,112 |
| 1,035 |
| 983 |
The table below sets out the average monthly number of employees during the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, including directors, by geography:
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| Number |
| Number |
| Number | |
United Kingdom |
| 1,068 |
| 983 |
| 926 |
Hong Kong |
| 7 |
| 7 |
| 11 |
United States |
| 2 |
| 2 |
| 3 |
Rest of World |
| 35 |
| 43 |
| 43 |
Average monthly number of employees |
| 1,112 |
| 1,035 |
| 983 |
We are not a signatory to any labor union collective bargaining agreement. We also engaged approximately 2,517 temporary employees on average in fiscal year 2023, on a regular basis to perform, among other things, catering, security, ticketing, hospitality and marketing services during Matchdays at Old Trafford.
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E.SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table shows the number of shares owned by our directors and members of our executive management as of 6 September 2023:
| Class A |
| Class B | % of Total |
| ||||||
Ordinary | Ordinary | Voting |
| ||||||||
| Shares |
| % |
| Shares |
| % |
| Power(1) |
| |
Avram Glazer(2) |
| — |
| — | 16,606,979 | 15.07 | % | 14.38 | % | ||
Joel Glazer(3) |
| 1,707,614 |
| 3.23 | % | 21,899,366 | 19.87 | % | 19.11 | % | |
Richard Arnold |
| (*) |
| (*) | — | — |
| (*) | |||
Cliff Baty |
| (*) |
| (*) | — | — |
| (*) | |||
Patrick Stewart | (*) |
| (*) | — | — |
| (*) | ||||
Kevin Glazer(4) |
| — |
| — | 15,899,366 | 14.43 | % | 13.77 | % | ||
Bryan Glazer(5) |
| — |
| — | 19,899,365 | 18.06 | % | 17.23 | % | ||
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz(6) |
| 603,806 |
| 1.14 | % | 20,899,365 | 18.96 | % | 18.15 | % | |
Edward Glazer(7) |
| — |
| — | 15,003,172 | 13.61 | % | 12.99 | % | ||
Robert Leitão |
| — |
| — | — | — |
| — | |||
Manu Sawhney |
| — |
| — | — | — |
| — | |||
John Hooks |
| — |
| — | — | — |
| — |
| (1) | Percentage of total voting power represents voting power with respect to all of our Class A and Class B ordinary shares, as a single class. The holders of our Class B ordinary shares are entitled to 10 votes per share, and holders of our Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share. |
| (2) | Shares owned by Avram Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust, of which Avram Glazer is the sole trustee, and Hamilton TFC LLC, of which Avram Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust is the sole member. |
| (3) | Shares owned by Joel M. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust, of which Joel Glazer is the sole trustee, and RECO Holdings LLC, of which Joel M. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust is the sole member. |
| (4) | Shares owned by Kevin Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Family Trust, of which Kevin Glazer is the sole trustee, and KEGT Holdings LLC, of which Kevin Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Family Trust is the sole member. |
| (5) | Shares owned by Bryan G. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust, of which Bryan Glazer is the sole trustee, BGGT Holdings LLC, of which Bryan G. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust is the sole member, and SCG Global Investment Holdings LLC, of which Bryan G. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust is the sole member. |
| (6) | Shares owned by Darcie S. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust, of which Darcie Glazer Kassewitz is the sole trustee. |
| (7) | Shares owned by Edward S. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust, of which Edward Glazer is the sole trustee, and ESGT Holdings LLC, of which Edward S. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust is the sole member. |
(*) | These directors and members of our executive management individually own less than 1% of our Class A ordinary shares. |
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ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A.MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The following table shows our major shareholders (shareholders that are beneficial owners of 5% or more of each class of the Company’s voting shares) as of 6 September 2023, based on notifications made to the Company or public filings:
Class A | Class B | % of Total |
| ||||||||
Ordinary | Ordinary | Voting | |||||||||
| Shares |
| % |
| Shares |
| % |
| Power(1) |
| |
Lindsell Train Limited(2) |
| 11,018,676 |
| 20.81 | % | — |
| — |
| 0.95 | % |
Ariel Investments, LLC (3) |
| 8,454,466 |
| 15.97 | % | — |
| — |
| 0.73 | % |
Massachusetts Financial Services Company (4) |
| 3,428,274 |
| 6.47 | % | — |
| — |
| 0.30 | % |
Avram Glazer(5) |
| — |
| — |
| 16,606,979 |
| 15.07 | % | 14.38 | % |
Joel M. Glazer(6) |
| 1,707,614 |
| 3.22 | % | 21,899,366 |
| 19.87 | % | 19.11 | % |
Kevin Glazer(7) |
| — |
| — |
| 15,899,366 |
| 14.43 | % | 13.77 | % |
Bryan G. Glazer(8) |
| — |
| — |
| 19,899,365 |
| 18.06 | % | 17.23 | % |
Darcie S. Glazer(9) |
| 603,806 |
| 1.14 | % | 20,899,365 |
| 18.96 | % | 18.15 | % |
Edward S. Glazer (10) |
| — |
| — |
| 15,003,172 |
| 13.61 | % | 12.99 | % |
| (1) | Percentage of total voting power represents voting power with respect to all of our Class A and Class B ordinary shares, as a single class. The holders of our Class B ordinary shares are entitled to 10 votes per share, and holders of our Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share. |
| (2) | Based on information reported on a Schedule 13G/A filed on 8 February 2023, each of Lindsell Train Limited (“LTL”), Michael James Lindsell and Nicholas John Train have shared and dispositive power over 11,018,676 shares of our Class A ordinary shares. Each of Messrs. Lindsell and Train own a significant membership interest in LTL and may be deemed to control shares held by LTL by virtue of their respective interests therein. The business address of LTL, Mr. Lindsell and Mr. Train is 66 Buckingham Gate, London SWIE 6AU, United Kingdom. |
| (3) | Based on information reported on a Schedule 13G/A filed on 10 January 2023, Ariel Investments, LLC (“AIL”) has sole voting power over 7,617,381 of our Class A ordinary shares and sole dispositive power over 8,454,466 of our Class A ordinary shares. The business address of Ariel Investments, LLC is 200 E. Randolph Street, Suite 2900, Chicago, IL 60601. |
| (4) | Based on information reported on a Schedule 13G/A filed on 8 February 2023, Massachusetts Financial Services Company (“MFS”) has sole voting and dispositive power over 3,428,274 of our Class A ordinary shares. The business address of MFS is 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02199. |
| (5) | Shares owned by Avram Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust, of which Avram Glazer is the sole trustee, and Hamilton TFC LLC, of which Avram Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust is the sole member. |
| (6) | Shares owned by Joel M. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust, of which Joel Glazer is the sole trustee, and RECO Holdings LLC, of which Joel M. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust is the sole member. |
| (7) | Shares owned by Kevin Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Family Trust, of which Kevin Glazer is the sole trustee, and KEGT Holdings LLC, of which Kevin Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Family Trust is the sole member. |
| (8) | Shares owned by Bryan G. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust, of which Bryan Glazer is the sole trustee, BGGT Holdings LLC, of which Bryan G. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust is the sole member, and SCG Global Investment Holdings LLC, of which Bryan G. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust is the sole member. |
| (9) | Shares owned by Darcie S. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust, of which Darcie Glazer Kassewitz is the sole trustee. |
| (10) | Shares owned by Edward S. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust, of which Edward Glazer is the sole trustee. |
Since 1 September 2020 until 1 September 2023, the only significant changes of which we have been notified in the percentage ownership of our shares by our major shareholders described above were that:
| ● | on 10 September 2021, Ariel Investments LLC made a public filing that it beneficially owned 5,971,625 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.52% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 13 September 2021, Bryan G. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust made a public filing that it beneficially owned 19,899,365 of our Class B ordinary shares, representing 17.23% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 18 October 2021, Kevin Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust made a public filing that it beneficially owned 15,899,366 of our Class B ordinary shares, representing 13.77% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 18 October 2021, Edward S. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust made a public filing that it beneficially owned 15,003,172 of our Class B ordinary shares, representing 12.99% of total voting power; |
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| ● | on 1 December 2021, Lindsell Train Limited made a public filing that it beneficially owned 11,108,340 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.96% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 10 December 2021, Ariel Investments LLC made a public filing that it beneficially owned 10,596,721 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.92% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 2 February 2022, Massachusetts Financial Services Company made a public filing that it held 3,166,867 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.27% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 11 February 2022, Lindsell Train Limited made a public filing that it beneficially owned 10,847,340 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.94% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 14 February 2022, Ariel Investments LLC made a public filing that it beneficially owned 10,934,059 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.95% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 14 February 2022, Baron Capital Group, Inc. made a public filing that it held 9,764,453 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.84% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 21 March 2022, Joel M. Glazer Irrevocable Exempt Trust made a public filing that it beneficially owned 1,707,614 of our Class A ordinary shares and 21,899,366 of our Class B ordinary shares, representing 19.11% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 7 April 2022, Baron Capital Group, Inc. made a public filing that it held 5,583,670 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.48% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 5 July 2022, Baron Capital Group, Inc. made a public filing that it held 1,553,888 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.13% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 10 January 2023, Ariel Investments LLC made a public filing that it beneficially owned 8,454,466 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.73% of total voting power; |
| ● | on 8 February 2023, Massachusetts Financial Services Company made a public filing that it held 3,428,274 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.30% of total voting power; and |
| ● | on 8 February 2023, Lindsell Train Limited made a public filing that it beneficially owned 11,018,676 of our Class A ordinary shares, representing 0.94% of total voting power. |
US Resident Shareholders of Record
As a number of our shares are held in book-entry form, we are not aware of the identity of all our shareholders. As of 6 September 2023, we had 52,295,829 Class A ordinary shares held by 3,819 US resident shareholders of record, representing approximately 4.53% of total voting power and 110,207,613 Class B ordinary shares held by 12 US resident shareholders of record, representing approximately 95.62% of total voting power.
Shareholders’ Arrangements
As of 6 September 2023, the Company was not aware of any shareholders’ arrangements which may result in a change of control of the Company.
B.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We have entered into employment or service agreements with members of executive management. Information regarding these agreements may be found in this Annual Report under Item 6. “Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation” and is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, members of management have received equity compensation. See also Note 7.2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for information about compensation paid or payable to key management for services, which is incorporated herein by reference.
There have been no other related party transactions since the beginning of our last full fiscal year that began on 1 July 2022 through the date of this Annual Report.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A.CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated Financial Statements
See “Item 18. Financial Statements.”
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Legal and Arbitration Proceedings
There have been no governmental, judicial or arbitration proceedings, including those relating to bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings and those involving any third party, (including any such proceedings which are pending or threatened of which we are aware) during the period between 1 July 2022 and the date of this Annual Report which may have, or have had in the recent past, significant effects on our financial position and profitability.
Dividend Policy
No dividends were paid for fiscal year 2023. The declaration and payment of any future dividends will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors or a committee thereof based on its consideration of numerous factors, including our operating results, financial condition and anticipated capital requirements, in addition to the various other considerations discussed below.
If we do pay a cash dividend on our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares in the future, we will pay such dividend out of our profits or share premium (subject to solvency requirements) as permitted under Cayman Islands law. Our board of directors has complete discretion regarding the declaration and payment of dividends, and the holders of our Class B ordinary shares will be able to influence our dividend policy.
The decision by our board of directors (or a committee thereof) to declare and pay dividends in the future and the amount of any future dividend payments we may make will depend on, among other factors, our strategy, future earnings, financial condition, cash flow, working capital requirements, capital expenditures and applicable provisions of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. Any profits or share premium we declare as dividends will not be available to be reinvested in our operations. Moreover, we are a holding company that does not conduct any business operations of our own. As a result, we are dependent upon cash dividends, distributions and other transfers from our subsidiaries to make dividend payments, and the terms of our subsidiaries’ debt and other agreements restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make dividends or other distributions to us. Specifically, pursuant to our revolving facilities, our secured term loan facility and the note purchase agreement governing our senior secured notes, there are restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us, and dividend distributions by our subsidiaries are the principal means by which we would have the necessary funds to pay dividends on our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares for the foreseeable future. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Indebtedness.” As a consequence of these limitations and restrictions, we may not be able to make, or may have to reduce or eliminate, the payment of dividends on our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares.
Any dividends we declare in the future on our ordinary shares will be in respect of both our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, and will be distributed such that a holder of one of our Class B ordinary shares will receive the same amount of the dividends that are received by a holder of one of our Class A ordinary shares. We will not declare any dividend with respect to the Class A ordinary shares without declaring a dividend on the Class B ordinary shares, and vice versa.
B.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Registrations
The playing registrations of certain footballers have been disposed of on a permanent or temporary basis, subsequent to 30 June 2023, for total proceeds, net of associated costs, of £39,751,000. The associated net book value was £9,951,000. Also subsequent to 30 June 2023, solidarity contributions, training compensation, sell-on fees and contingent consideration totalling £140,000, became receivable in respect of previous playing registration disposals.
Subsequent to 30 June 2023, the registrations of certain players were acquired or extended for a total consideration, including associated costs, of £207,967,000. Payments are due within the next 5 years. Also, subsequent to 30 June 2023, sell-on fees and contingent consideration totalling £1,363,000 became payable in respect of previous playing registration acquisitions.
Adidas contract extension
On 21 July 2023, the Group signed a 10-year extension to its agreement with adidas which began on 1 August 2015 and now terminates on 30 June 2035. Further information on this is provided in Note 4.3(i) to the financial statements of this report.
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Revolving facilities
On 3 July 2023, a drawdown on the Group’s revolving facilities of £50.0 million was made. This was comprised of £30.0 million under our initial revolving facility with Bank of America and £20.0 million under our revolving facility with Santander.
On 3 August 2023, a further drawdown on the Group’s revolving facilities was made. This was comprised of a £45.0 million drawdown under our initial revolving facility with Bank of America and £5.0 million under our revolving facility with Santander. This took the total drawdown as of 3 August 2023 to £200.0 million from available facilities of £300.0 million.
On 10 October 2023, a further drawdown on the Group’s revolving facilities was made. This comprised of a £35.0 million drawdown under our initial revolving facility with Bank of America, a £12.5 million drawdown under our bilateral facility with Bank of America and a £12.5 million drawdown under our revolving facility with Santander. This took the total drawdown as of 10 October 2023 to £260.0 million from available facilities of £300.0 million.
Qualcomm front of shirt partnership agreement
On 12 September 2023, the Group signed an expanded agreement with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. that will see the Snapdragon® brand displayed on the front of the playing shirts of both our Men’s and Women’s teams, commencing from the start of the 2024/25 season. Amounts realised in relation to the signing of this agreement, which include charges relating to the changes to the existing TeamViewer shirt sponsorship, will be recognized in the first quarter of the year ended 30 June 2024.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
Markets
We are incorporated under the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands, and our Class A ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MANU.” Our Class B ordinary shares are not listed to trade on any securities market. As of 6 September 2023 we had 52,951,335 Class A ordinary shares listed.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A.SHARE CAPITAL
Not applicable.
B.MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
A copy of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association is attached as Exhibit 1.1 to this Annual Report. The information called for by this Item is set forth in Exhibit 2.2 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-35627), filed with the SEC on 24 September 2019 and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.
C.MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The following is a summary of each material contract, other than material contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we are or have been a party, for the two years immediately preceding the date of this Annual Report:
| ● | Sixth Amendment and Restatement Agreement relating to the Secured Term Facility Agreement, dated 1 June 2023, among Red Football Limited, Manchester United Football Club Limited and Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company, as Agent and Lender. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.2 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Amendment letter relating to the Secured Term Facility Agreement, dated 4 November 2022, from Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company as Agent to Red Football Limited as Company. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.3 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Third Amendment and Restatement Agreement relating to the Revolving Facilities Agreement, dated 10 December 2021, among Red Football Limited, Manchester United Football Club Limited, and Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company, as Agent. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.5 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Amendment letter relating to the Revolving Facilities Agreement, dated 4 November 2022, from Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company as Agent to Red Football Limited as Company. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.6 to this Annual Report. |
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| ● | Revolving Facilities Agreement, dated 26 April 2022, among Red Football Limited, Manchester United Football Club Limited, Bank of America, N.A., London Branch as Lender and Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company, as Agent. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.7 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Amendment letter relating to the Revolving Facilities Agreement, dated 4 November 2022, from Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company as Agent to Red Football Limited as Company. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.8 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Note Purchase Agreement, dated 27 May 2015, among MU Finance plc (now known as MU Finance Limited), the guarantors party thereto, the purchasers listed therein and the Bank of New York Mellon, as Paying Agent. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.9 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Amendment No. 1 to Note Purchase Agreement, and Consent No. 1, dated 14 June 2018, among MU Finance plc (now known as MU Finance Limited), the guarantors party thereto, the noteholders listed on the signature pages thereto and the Bank of New York Mellon, as Paying Agent. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.10 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Amendment No. 2 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated 4 March 2021, among Manchester United Football Club Limited, the guarantors party thereto, the noteholders listed on the signature pages thereto and the Bank of New York Mellon, as Paying Agent. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.11 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Consent No. 2 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated 26 April 2022, among Manchester United Football Club Limited, the guarantors party thereto, the noteholders listed on the signature pages thereto and the Bank of New York Mellon, as Paying Agent. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.12 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Second Amendment and Restatement Agreement relating to the Revolving Facilities Agreement, dated 13 December 2021, among Red Football Limited, Manchester United Football Club Limited and Santander UK plc, as Agent. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.14 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Third Amendment and Restatement Agreement relating to the Revolving Facilities Agreement, dated 26 April 2022, among Red Football Limited, Manchester United Football Club Limited and Santander UK plc, as Agent. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.15 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Amendment letter relating to the Revolving Facilities Agreement, dated 4 November 2022, from Santander UK plc as Agent to Red Football Limited as Company. A copy of the agreement is included as Exhibit 4.16 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | 2012 Equity Incentive Award Plan. A copy of the Plan is included as Exhibit 4.17 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Premier League Handbook, Season 2022/23. As a member of the Football Association Premier League, we are subject to the terms of the Premier League Handbook, Season 2022/23. A copy of the Handbook is included as Exhibit 4.18 to this Annual Report. |
| ● | Premier League Handbook, Season 2023/24. As a member of the Football Association Premier League, we are subject to the terms of the Premier League Handbook, Season 2023/24. A copy of the Handbook is included as Exhibit 4.19 to this Annual Report. |
D.EXCHANGE CONTROLS
There are no Cayman Islands exchange control regulations that would affect the import or export of capital or the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our shares.
E.TAXATION
The following is a summary of material US federal income tax consequences relevant to US Holders and Non-US Holders (each as defined below) acquiring, holding and disposing of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares. This summary is based on the Code, final, temporary and proposed US Treasury Regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Furthermore, we can provide no assurance that the tax consequences contained in this summary will not be challenged by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or will be sustained by a court if challenged.
This summary does not discuss all aspects of US federal income taxation that may be relevant to investors in light of their particular circumstances, such as investors subject to special tax rules, including without limitation the following, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below:
| ● | financial institutions; |
| ● | insurance companies; |
| ● | dealers in stocks, securities, or currencies or notional principal contracts; |
| ● | regulated investment companies; |
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| ● | real estate investment trusts; |
| ● | tax-exempt organizations; |
| ● | partnerships and other pass-through entities, or persons that hold Class A ordinary shares through pass-through entities; |
| ● | investors that hold Class A ordinary shares as part of a straddle, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for US federal income tax purposes; |
| ● | US holders that have a functional currency other than the US dollar; |
| ● | US expatriates and former long-term residents of the United States; |
| ● | “qualified foreign pension funds” as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities all of the interests of which are held by qualified foreign pension funds; and |
| ● | persons subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of any item of income relating to our Class A ordinary shares being taken into account in an applicable financial statement. |
This summary does not address alternative minimum tax consequences or non-income tax consequences, such as estate or gift tax consequences, and does not address state, local or non-US tax consequences. This summary only addresses investors that hold our Class A ordinary shares and not Class B ordinary shares, and it assumes that investors hold their Class A ordinary shares as capital assets (generally, property held for investment).
For purposes of this summary, a “US Holder” is a beneficial owner of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares that is, for US federal income tax purposes:
| ● | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, |
| ● | a corporation created in, or organized under the laws of, the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, |
| ● | an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for US federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or |
| ● | a trust that (i) is subject to the primary supervision of a US court and the control of one or more US persons or (ii) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a US person. |
A “Non-US Holder” is a beneficial owner of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares that is not a US Holder.
If an entity or other arrangement treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes holds the Company’s Class A ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners of partnerships considering an investment in the Class A ordinary shares are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Class A ordinary shares.
Treatment of the Company as a Domestic Corporation for US Federal Income Tax Purposes
Even though the Company is organized as a Cayman Islands exempted company, due to the circumstances of its formation and the application of Section 7874 of the Code, the Company reports as a domestic corporation for US federal income tax purposes. This has implications for all shareholders; the Company is subject to US federal income tax as if it were a US corporation, and distributions made by the Company are generally treated as US-source dividends as described below and generally subject to US dividend withholding tax.
US Holders
Distributions
Distributions made by the Company in respect of its Class A ordinary shares will be treated as US-source dividends includible in the gross income of a US Holder as ordinary income to the extent of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under US federal income tax principles. To the extent the amount of a distribution exceeds the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of a US Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Class A ordinary shares and thereafter as gain from the sale of such shares. Subject to applicable limitations and requirements, dividends received on the Class A ordinary shares generally should be eligible for the “dividends received deduction” available to corporate shareholders. A dividend paid by the Company to a non-corporate US Holder generally will be eligible for preferential rates if certain holding period requirements are met.
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The US dollar value of any distribution made by the Company in foreign currency will be calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of the US Holder’s actual or constructive receipt of such distribution, regardless of whether the foreign currency is in fact converted into US dollars. If the foreign currency is converted into US dollars on such date of receipt, the US Holder generally will not recognize foreign currency gain or loss on such conversion. If the foreign currency is not converted into US dollars on the date of receipt, such US Holder will have a basis in the foreign currency equal to its US dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss on a subsequent conversion or other taxable disposition of the foreign currency generally will be US-source ordinary income or loss to such US Holder.
Sale or other disposition
A US Holder will recognize gain or loss for US federal income tax purposes upon a sale or other taxable disposition of its Class A ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized from such sale or disposition and the US Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Class A ordinary shares. A US Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Class A ordinary shares generally will be the US Holder’s cost for the shares. Any such gain or loss generally will be US-source capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, on the date of sale or disposition, such US Holder held the Class A ordinary shares for more than one year. Long-term capital gains derived by non-corporate US Holders are eligible for taxation at reduced rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.
Information reporting and backup withholding
Payments of distributions on or proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of Class A ordinary shares generally will be subject to information reporting, and they may be subject to backup withholding if a US Holder (i) fails to furnish such US Holder’s correct US taxpayer identification number (generally on IRS Form W-9), (ii) furnishes an incorrect US taxpayer identification number, (iii) is notified by the IRS that such US Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding, or (iv) fails to certify under penalty of perjury that such US Holder has furnished its correct US taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such US Holder that it is subject to backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a credit against a US Holder’s US federal income tax liability or will be refunded, if the US Holder furnishes the required information to the IRS in a timely manner.
Non-US Holders
Distributions
Subject to the discussion under “ — Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act” below, distributions treated as dividends (see “ — US Holders — Distributions”) by the Company to Non-US Holders will be subject to US federal withholding tax at a 30% rate, except as may be provided by an applicable income tax treaty. To obtain a reduced rate of US federal withholding under an applicable income tax treaty, a Non-US Holder will be required to certify its entitlement to benefits under the treaty, including eligibility under the Limitation on Benefits provision in a given treaty (for non-individuals), generally on a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable.
However, dividends that are effectively connected with a Non-US Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States and, where required by an income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base of the Non-US Holder, are not subject to the withholding tax described in the previous paragraph, but instead are subject to US federal net income tax at graduated rates, provided the Non-US Holder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements, generally by providing a properly completed IRS Form W-8ECI. Non-US Holders that are corporations may also be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate, except as may be provided by an applicable income tax treaty.
Sale or other disposition
Subject to the discussion under “ — Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act” below, a Non-US Holder will not be subject to US federal income tax in respect of any gain on a sale or other disposition of the Class A ordinary shares unless:
| ● | the gain is effectively connected with the Non-US Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States and, where required by an income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base of the Non-US Holder; |
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| ● | the Non-US Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and certain other conditions are met; or |
| ● | the Company is or has been a “US real property holding corporation” during the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition and the Non-US Holder’s holding period for the Class A ordinary shares. |
Non-US Holders described in the first bullet point above will be subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated US federal income tax rates and, if they are foreign corporations, may be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. Non-US Holders described in the second bullet point above will be subject to a flat 30% tax on any gain derived on the sale or other taxable disposition, which gain may be offset by certain US-source capital losses. The Company believes it is not, and does not currently anticipate becoming, a “US real property holding corporation” for US federal income tax purposes.
Information reporting and backup withholding
Generally, the Company must report annually to the IRS and to Non-US Holders the amount of distributions made to Non-US Holders and the amount of any tax withheld with respect to those payments, regardless of whether such distributions constitute dividends or whether any tax was actually withheld. Copies of the information returns reporting such distributions and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a Non-US Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or tax information exchange agreement.
A Non-US Holder will generally not be subject to backup withholding with respect to payments of dividends, provided the Company receives a properly completed statement to the effect that the Non-US Holder is not a US person and the Company does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a US person. The requirements for the statement will be met if the Non-US Holder provides its name and address and certifies, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a US person (which certification may generally be made on IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E) or if a financial institution holding the Class A ordinary shares on behalf of the Non-US Holder certifies, under penalties of perjury, that such statement has been received by it and furnishes the Company or its paying agent with a copy of the statement.
Except as described below under “ — Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act”, the payment of proceeds from a disposition of Class A ordinary shares to or through a non-US office of a non-US broker will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding unless the non-US broker has certain types of relationships with the United States. In the case of a payment of proceeds from the disposition of Class A ordinary shares to or through a non-US office of a broker that is either a US person or such a US-related person, US Treasury Regulations require information reporting (but not backup withholding) on the payment unless the broker has documentary evidence in its files that the Non-US Holder is not a US person and the broker has no knowledge to the contrary.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a Non-US Holder’s US federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
Pursuant to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”), withholding taxes may apply to certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions” (as defined under those rules) and certain other non-US entities. The failure to comply with additional certification, information reporting and other specified requirements could result in a withholding tax being imposed on payments of dividends and (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below) sales proceeds to foreign intermediaries and certain Non-US Holders. A 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on, or (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below) gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our Class A ordinary shares paid to a foreign financial institution or to a non-financial foreign entity, unless (i) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (ii) the non-financial foreign entity that is a passive non-financial entity either certifies it does not have any substantial US owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial US owner, or (iii) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in clause (i) above, it generally must enter into an agreement with the US Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain US persons or US-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts and withhold 30% on payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States concerning FATCA may be subject to different rules.
Under the applicable Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends on our Class A ordinary shares. While withholding under FATCA would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds
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from the sale or other disposition of stock on or after 1 January 2019, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued.
Prospective investors are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of withholding under FATCA to an investment in our Class A ordinary shares.
Material Cayman Islands Tax Considerations
There is, at present, no direct taxation in the Cayman Islands and interest, dividends and gains payable to the Company will be received free of all Cayman Islands taxes. The Company has received an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of such undertaking, no law that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Company, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income.
The Cayman Islands has enacted the International Tax Cooperation (Economic Substance) Law, 2018 (the “Economic Substance Law”) in response to the work of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) and the EU on fair taxation, and generally requires geographically mobile activities to have substance regardless of whether the activities are conducted in a no or nominal tax jurisdiction. The legislation requires relevant entities to notify the Cayman Islands tax authorities and meet an economic substance test. Under the law, as amended by the International Tax Co-Operation (Economic Substance) (Amendment of Schedule) Regulations 2019, the term “relevant entity” in principle includes a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands but does not include “an entity that is tax resident outside the Islands.” On the basis that the Company is treated as a domestic corporation for US federal income tax purposes and treated as if it were a US tax resident, the Company is not expected to be a relevant entity and therefore would not be subject to the abovementioned requirements in the Cayman Islands.
F.DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS
Not applicable.
G.STATEMENTS BY EXPERTS
Not applicable.
H.DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is www.sec.gov.
We also make available on our website, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 20-F and the text of our reports on Form 6-K, including any amendments to these reports, as well as certain other SEC filings, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our website address is https://ir.manutd.com/. The information contained on or through our website, or any website referred to herein, is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
I.SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
Not applicable.
J.ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
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ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk
Our operations are exposed to a variety of financial risks that include foreign exchange risk, and cash flow and fair value interest rate risk. We review and agree policies for managing these risks, which are then implemented by our finance department. Please refer to Note 30 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of 30 June 2023 and 2022 and for the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021 included elsewhere in this Annual Report for a fuller quantitative and qualitative discussion on the market risks to which we are subject and our policies with respect to managing those risks. The policies are summarized below:
Foreign exchange risk
We are exposed to both translational and transactional risk of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. A significant foreign exchange risk we face relates to the revenue received in Euros as a result of participation in UEFA club competitions. We ordinarily seek to hedge economically the majority of the foreign exchange risk of this revenue either by using contracted future foreign exchange expenses (including player transfer fee commitments) or by placing forward contracts at the point at which it becomes reasonably certain that we will receive the revenue.
We also receive a significant amount of sponsorship revenue denominated in US dollars. We seek to hedge the foreign exchange risk on future US dollar revenues whenever possible using our US dollar net borrowings as the hedging instrument. The foreign exchange gains or losses arising on retranslation of our US dollar net borrowings used in the hedge are initially recognized in other comprehensive income, rather than being recognized in the statement of profit or loss immediately. Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a hedging reserve are subsequently reclassified into the statement of profit or loss in the same accounting period, and within the same statement of profit or loss line (i.e. commercial revenue), as the underlying future US dollar revenues. The foreign exchange gains or losses arising on re-translation of our unhedged US dollar borrowings are recognized in the statement of profit or loss immediately.
As of 30 June 2023, the amount accumulated in the hedging reserve relating to the above hedge was a credit of £0.1 million (this amount is stated gross before deducting related tax).
Based on exchange rates existing as of 30 June 2023, a 10% appreciation of pounds sterling compared to the US dollar would have resulted in a credit to the hedging reserve in respect of the above hedge of approximately £3.7 million for the year ended 30 June 2023. Conversely, a 10% depreciation of pounds sterling compared to the US dollar would have resulted in a debit to the hedging reserve in respect of the above hedge of approximately £4.5 million for the year ended 30 June 2023.
Payment and receipts of transfer fees may also give rise to foreign exchange exposures. Due to the nature of player transfers we may not always be able to predict such cash flow until the transfer has taken place. Where possible and depending on the payment profile of transfer fees payable and receivable we will seek to economically hedge future payments and receipts at the point it becomes reasonably certain that the payments will be made or the revenue will be received. When hedging revenue to be received, we also take account of the credit risk of the counterparty.
Further, we are exposed to cash flow risk on fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Foreign exchange gains or losses arising on re-translation of our unhedged US dollar borrowings are recognized in the statement of profit or loss immediately and are subject to UK Corporation tax. From time to time, we may use foreign currency options to manage the unfavourable impact foreign exchange volatility may have on our cash flows.
Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk
Our cash flow and fair value interest rate risk relates to changes in interest rates for borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable interest rates expose us to cash flow interest rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose us to fair value interest rate risk. Our borrowings under our revolving facilities and our secured term loan facility bear interest at variable rates. As of 30 June 2023, we had £175.2 million of variable rate indebtedness outstanding under our secured term loan facility and £100 million of variable rate indebtedness outstanding under our revolving facilities. We manage our cash flow interest rate risk, where considered appropriate, using interest rate swaps. Such interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting a portion of variable rate borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates. A hypothetical one percentage point increase in interest rates on our variable rate indebtedness would not have a material impact on our annual interest expense.
Other than as disclosed herein, we have no additional hedging policies.
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Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest rate swaps
We have interest rate swaps in place in respect of our secured term loan facility. As of 30 June 2023, the fair value of outstanding interest rate swaps was an asset of £4.2 million.
Foreign exchange forward contracts
We typically enter into foreign exchange forward contracts, as considered appropriate, to purchase and sell foreign currency in order to minimize the impact of foreign exchange movements on our financial performance primarily for our exposure to Broadcasting revenue received in Euros for our participation in UEFA club competitions, for transfer fees payable and receivable in foreign currency, and for operating expenses payable in foreign currency. As of 30 June 2023, the fair value of outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts was a net liability of £1.2 million.
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives
We have a number of foreign exchange based embedded derivatives in host Commercial revenue contracts. These are separately recognized in the financial statements at fair value since they are not closely related to the host contract. As of 30 June 2023, the fair value of such derivatives was an asset of £11.3 million and a liability of £0.1 million.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
A.DEBT SECURITIES
Not applicable.
B.WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
Not applicable.
C.OTHER SECURITIES
Not applicable.
D.AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
Not applicable.
86
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) under the supervision and the participation of the executive board of management, which is responsible for the management of the internal controls, and which includes the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation as of 30 June 2023, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures (i) were effective at a reasonable level of assurance as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F in ensuring that information required to be recorded, processed, summarized and reported in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) were effective at a reasonable level of assurance as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F in ensuring that information to be disclosed in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the management of the Company, including the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our executive board of management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed, under the supervision of the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly, reflect transactions and dispositions of assets, provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded in the manner necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are only carried out in accordance with the authorization of our executive board of management and directors, and provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of any unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets and that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Moreover, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control to future periods are subject to a risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions and that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our executive board of management has assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) 2013. Based on this assessment, our executive board of management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2023 was effective.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2023 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report on pages F-3 to F-5 of this Annual Report.
87
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the period covered by this Annual Report, we have not made any change to our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Manu Sawhney satisfies the “independence” requirements set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our board of directors has also determined that Mr. Manu Sawhney qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all our employees, officers and directors, including our principal executive, principal financial and principal accounting officers. Our code of Business Conduct and Ethics addresses, among other things, competition and fair dealing, conflicts of interest, financial matters and external reporting, company funds and assets, confidentiality and corporate opportunity requirements and the process for reporting violations of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, employee misconduct, conflicts of interest or other violations. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is intended to meet the definition of “code of ethics” under Item 16B of 20-F under the Exchange Act.
We intend to disclose on our website any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of our Code of Conduct that applies to our directors or executive officers to the extent required under the rules of the SEC or the NYSE. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at https://ir.manutd.com/. The information contained on or through our website, or any other website referred to herein, is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) acted as our independent auditor for the fiscal years ended 30 June 2023 and 2022. The table below sets out the total amount billed to us by PwC, for services performed in the years ended 30 June 2023 and 2022, and breaks down these amounts by category of service:
2023 | 2022 | |||
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Audit Fees |
| 753 |
| 620 |
Audit-Related Fees |
| 17 |
| 94 |
Tax Fees |
| 10 |
| 13 |
Total |
| 780 |
| 727 |
Audit Fees
Audit fees for the years ended 30 June 2023 and 2022 were related to the audit of our consolidated and subsidiary financial statements and other audit or interim review services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort letter work.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees for the years ended 30 June 2023 and 2022 were related to the audit of the Group pension scheme financial statements.
Tax Fees
Tax fees for the years ended 30 June 2023 and 2022 were related to tax compliance and tax advice services.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The advance approval of the Audit Committee or members thereof, to whom approval authority has been delegated, is required for all audit and non-audit services provided by our auditors.
88
All services provided by our auditors are approved in advance by either the Audit Committee or members thereof, to whom authority has been delegated, in accordance with the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policy.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
No repurchases of our Class A ordinary shares were made during the fiscal year ended 30 June 2023.
On 12 March 2020, we announced that our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $35 million (approximately £27.7 million based on the exchange rate reported by NatWest Markets on such date) of our Class A ordinary shares, effective immediately. Pursuant to this share repurchase program, we may purchase our Class A ordinary shares from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, including under applicable U.S. federal securities laws such as Rule 10b5-1 trading plans and under Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. The timing and the actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including, among others, legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. In May 2020, we suspended our repurchase program due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently unable to estimate when, or if, the program will be restarted. Our board of directors may modify, extend or terminate the share repurchase program at any time, and the share repurchase program has no expiration date. We will not purchase any shares from members of the Glazer family as part of this program.
As of 30 June 2023, a total of 1,682,896 shares have been repurchased. The average price paid per share was £12.66 and the approximate value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program is £6.0 million. Share repurchases made on the New York Stock Exchange have been translated into pounds sterling from U.S. dollars at the opening exchange rate reported by NatWest Markets for the week in which the respective transaction date occurred.
All of the shares reported above were repurchased under this share repurchase program.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
None.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We are a “foreign private issuer” (as such term is defined in Rule 3b–4 under the Exchange Act), and our Class A ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We believe the following to be the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those applicable to US companies under the New York Stock Exchange listing standards.
In general, under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, foreign private issuers, as defined under the Exchange Act, are permitted to follow home country corporate governance practices instead of the corporate governance practices of the New York Stock Exchange. Accordingly, we follow certain corporate governance practices of our home country, the Cayman Islands, in lieu of certain of the corporate governance requirements of the New York Stock Exchange. Specifically, we do not have a board of directors composed of a majority of directors who qualify as an “independent director” (as defined under rules of the New York Stock Exchange), a remuneration committee or nominating and corporate governance committee each composed entirely of “independent directors,” or an audit committee composed of at least three directors. The rules of the New York Stock Exchange also require that a listed company obtain, in specified circumstances, (1) shareholder approval to adopt and materially revise equity compensation plans, as well as (2) shareholder approval prior to an issuance (a) of more than 1% of its common stock (including derivative securities thereof) in either number or voting power to related parties, (b) of more than 20% of its outstanding common stock (including derivative securities thereof) in either number or voting power or (c) that would result in a change of control, none of which require shareholder approval under the Cayman Islands law. We also follow our home country laws in determining whether shareholder approval is required.
The foreign private issuer exemption does not modify the independence requirements for members of the audit committee as provided under the Exchange Act. We comply with these independence requirements, and each member of our audit committee qualifies as independent under Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. In addition, each member of our audit committee qualifies as an “independent director” under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange.
89
If at any time we cease to be a “foreign private issuer” under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange and the Exchange Act, as applicable, our board of directors will take all action necessary to comply with applicable New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules and shareholder approval requirements.
Due to our status as a foreign private issuer and our intent to follow certain home country corporate governance practices, our shareholders do not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards and shareholder approval requirements.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 16I. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 16J. INSIDER TRADING POLICIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 16K. CYBERSECURITY.
Not applicable.
90
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited consolidated financial statements as required under Item 18 are attached hereto starting on page F-1 of this Annual Report. The audit report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, is included herein preceding the audited consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report, except as otherwise noted:
1.1 |
| |
2.1 | ||
2.2 | ||
4.1 | ||
4.2 | ||
4.3 | ||
4.4 | ||
4.5 | ||
4.6 | ||
4.7 | ||
4.8 | ||
91
92
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | |
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |
*Filed herewith
**Furnished herewith
93
Index to Consolidated financial statements
F-1
Auditor name:
Auditor firm ID:
Auditor location:
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Manchester United plc
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Manchester United plc and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of 30 June 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss, comprehensive (loss)/income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 30 June 2023, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of 30 June 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 30 June 2023 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 30 June 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
F-3
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (continued)
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Commercial revenue
As described in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated revenue recognized for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £648,401 thousand, of which £302,886 thousand relates to commercial revenue. A number of sponsorship contracts contain significant estimates in relation to the allocation and recognition of revenue in line with performance obligations. In instances where the sponsorship rights remain the same over the duration of the contract, revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied evenly over time.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to commercial revenue is a critical audit matter are the significant estimate by management to allocate and recognize revenue of performance obligations. This, in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures to evaluate management’s allocation and recognition of revenue for each performance obligation.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to commercial revenue recognition, including controls over the allocation and recognition of revenue for the performance obligations. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for allocating and recognizing revenue in line with performance obligations, including evaluating the appropriateness of the methodology and testing the completeness and accuracy of data used in the estimate. Evaluating the reasonableness of the allocation of revenue to performance obligations involved obtaining the related contracts and comparing the allocation and recognition of revenue to the contract terms.
F-4
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (continued)
Critical Audit Matters (continued)
Value of intangible assets – registrations
As described in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated intangible assets relating to player registrations for the year ended 30 June 2023 was £384,885 thousand. The costs associated with the acquisition of players’ and key football management staff registrations are capitalized as intangible assets at the value of the consideration payable, including an estimate of the value of any contingent consideration. As disclosed by management, the estimate of the value of the contingent consideration payable requires management to assess the likelihood of specific performance conditions being met which would trigger the payment of the contingent consideration such as the number of player appearances. This assessment is carried out on an individual basis. Management’s estimate over the probability of contingent consideration payable could impact the net book value of registrations and amortisation recognized in the statement of profit or loss.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to value of intangible assets - registrations is a critical audit matter are the significant estimation by management when developing the estimate over the contingent consideration payable, including assessing the likelihood of specific performance conditions being met. This, in turn, led to a high degree of auditor judgment, effort and subjectivity in performing procedures to evaluate management’s significant estimates over the likelihood of specific performance conditions being met which would trigger the payment of the contingent consideration, including the number of player appearances.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to intangible assets – registrations, including controls over the review and approval of management assumptions over the likelihood of specific performance conditions being met. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for estimating the value of the contingent considerations, including evaluating the model, testing the completeness and accuracy of data, and evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions over the expected likelihood of the specific performance obligations being met. Evaluating the likelihood of the specific performance obligations being met involved assessing the reasonableness of factors considered including the number of player appearances.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Manchester, United Kingdom
27 October 2023
We have served as the Company’s or its predecessors’ auditor since 2001.
F-5
Consolidated statement of profit or loss
Year ended 30 June | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
| Note |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Revenue from contracts with customers | 4 |
| |
| |
| | |
Operating expenses |
| 5 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Other operating income | | — | — | |||||
Profit on disposal of intangible assets |
| 8 |
| |
| |
| |
Operating loss |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Finance costs |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Finance income |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Net finance (costs)/income |
| 9 |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Loss before income tax |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Income tax credit/(expense) |
| 10 |
| |
| |
| ( |
Loss for the year |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Loss per share during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Basic loss per share (pence) |
| 11 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Diluted loss per share (pence)(1) |
| 11 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| (1) |
The above consolidated statement of profit or loss should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
F-6
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Year ended 30 June | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Loss for the year | ( |
| ( |
| ( | |
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
| |||
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss |
|
|
| |||
Movements on hedges (Note 30.2) |
| |
| |
| |
Income tax expense relating to movements on hedges (Note 30.2) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax |
| |
| |
| |
Total comprehensive loss for the year |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
F-7
Consolidated balance sheet
As of 30 June | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Note |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
| 13 |
| |
| |
Right-of-use assets | 14 | | | |||
Investment properties |
| 15 |
| |
| |
Intangible assets |
| 16 |
| |
| |
Trade receivables |
| 19 |
| |
| |
Derivative financial instruments |
| 20 |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
| | |
Current assets |
|
|
|
| ||
Inventories |
| 18 |
| |
| |
Prepayments | | | ||||
Contract assets – accrued revenue | 4.2 | | | |||
Trade receivables | 19 | | | |||
Other receivables |
|
| |
| | |
Income tax receivable |
|
| |
| | |
Derivative financial instruments | 20 | | | |||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 21 |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
| | |
Total assets |
|
|
| |
| |
The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
F-8
Consolidated balance sheet (continued)
As of 30 June | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Note |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
| 22 |
| |
| |
Share premium |
|
|
| |
| |
Treasury shares | 23 | ( | ( | |||
Merger reserve |
|
|
| |
| |
Hedging reserve |
| 30.2 |
| |
| |
Retained deficit |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
Total equity |
|
|
| |
| |
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
| ||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| 17 |
| |
| |
Contract liabilities - deferred revenue |
| 4.2 |
| |
| |
Trade and other payables |
| 24 |
| |
| |
Borrowings |
| 25 |
| |
| |
Lease liabilities | 14 | | | |||
Derivative financial instruments |
| 20 |
| |
| |
Provisions | 26 | | | |||
|
|
| |
| | |
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
| ||
Contract liabilities - deferred revenue |
| 4.2 |
| |
| |
Trade and other payables |
| 24 |
| |
| |
Borrowings |
| 25 |
| |
| |
Lease liabilities | 14 | | | |||
Derivative financial instruments |
| 20 |
| |
| |
Provisions | 26 | | | |||
|
|
| |
| | |
Total equity and liabilities |
|
|
| |
| |
The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
F-9
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Retained | ||||||||||||||
| Share |
| Share | Treasury |
| Merger |
| Hedging |
| (deficit)/ |
| Total | ||
capital | premium | shares | reserve | reserve | earnings | equity | ||||||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 | £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | ||
Balance at 30 June 2020 |
| |
| | ( |
| |
| ( |
| |
| | |
Loss for the year | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||
Movements on hedges | — | — | — | — | | — | | |||||||
Tax expense relating to movements on hedges | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||
Total comprehensive loss for the year | — | — | — | — | | ( | ( | |||||||
Equity-settled share-based payments (Note 28) | — | — | — | — | — | | | |||||||
Dividends paid (Note 12) | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||
Balance at 30 June 2021 |
| |
| | ( |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| | |
Loss for the year | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||
Movements on hedges | — | — | — | — | | — | | |||||||
Tax expense relating to movements on hedges | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||
Total comprehensive loss for the year | — | — | — | — | | ( | ( | |||||||
Reclassified | — | — | — | — | | ( | — | |||||||
Equity-settled share-based payments (Note 28) | — | — | — | — | — | | | |||||||
Dividends paid (Note 12) | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||
Balance at 30 June 2022 | | | ( | | | ( | | |||||||
Loss for the year | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||
Movements on hedges | — | — | — | — | | — | | |||||||
Tax expense relating to movements on hedges | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||
Total comprehensive loss for the year | — | — | — | — | | ( | ( | |||||||
Equity-settled share-based payments (Note 28) | — | — | — | — | — | | | |||||||
Deferred tax credit relating to share-based payments (Note 17) | — | — | — | — | — | | | |||||||
Balance at 30 June 2023 | | | ( | | | ( | |
The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
F-10
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Year ended 30 June | ||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
| Note |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash generated from operations |
| 27 |
| |
| |
| |
Interest paid |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Interest received |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Tax paid |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net cash inflow from operating activities |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Payments for property, plant and equipment |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Payments for intangible assets(1) |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets(1) |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Payments for derivative financial assets | — | — | ( | |||||
Net cash outflow from investing activities |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from borrowings | | | | |||||
Repayment of borrowings |
|
|
| ( |
| — |
| — |
Principal elements of lease payments | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Dividends paid |
|
|
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from financing activities |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | | ( | |||||
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
| 21 |
| |
| |
| |
| (1) |
The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
F-11
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
1 | General information |
Manchester United plc (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries (together the “Group”) is a men’s and women’s professional football club together with related and ancillary activities. The Company incorporated under the Companies Law (as amended) of the Cayman Islands. The address of its principal executive office is Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RA, United Kingdom. The Company’s shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
These financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand (£’000) except when otherwise indicated.
These financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 27 October 2023.
2 | Summary of significant accounting policies |
This note provides a list of the significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements to the extent they have not been disclosed in the other notes below. The policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. The financial statements are for the Group consisting of Manchester United plc and its subsidiaries.
2.1 | Basis of preparation |
(i) | Compliance with IFRS |
The consolidated financial statements of Manchester United plc have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRS IC”) applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The financial statements comply with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
Going concern
The Group has cash resources as of 30 June 2023 of £
The Group’s debt facilities include the $
As a result of a detailed assessment, including prudent assumptions around the men’s first team’s performance, and with reference to the Group’s balance sheet, existing committed facilities, but also acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of the current economic outlook, Management has concluded that the Group is able to meet its obligations when they fall due for a period of at least 12 months after the date of this report. For this reason, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis for preparing the annual financial statements.
F-12
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
2 | Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) |
2.1 | Basis of preparation (continued) |
(ii) | Historical cost convention |
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities (including derivative financial instruments) which are recognized at fair value through profit and loss, unless hedge accounting applies.
(iii) | New and amended standards adopted by the Group |
The following amendment to standards has been adopted by the Group for the first time for the year ended 30 June 2023:
| ● | International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules (Amendments to IAS 12) |
The adoption of this amendments had not had a material effect on the Group.
(iv) | New and amended standards and interpretations not yet adopted |
The following amendments to IFRS that have been issued by the IASB will become effective in a subsequent accounting period include:
| ● | Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 1) |
| ● | Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS1) |
These changes are not expected to have a material effect on the Group.
(v)Effect of IBOR reform
For the year ended 30 June 2021, we adopted the Phase 2 amendments to IFRS 9, “Financial Instruments” for the first time.
On 10 December 2021 and 13 December 2021, the Group amended and restated its revolving facility agreements with Bank of America and Santander plc respectively, to provide for an alternate method of calculating our interest rates following the cessation of GBP LIBOR and the 1-week and 2-month USD LIBOR rates. Interest is now calculated based on the Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) plus a credit adjustment spread. The impact of these amendments was not material in the year ended 30 June 2022.
On 1 June 2023, the Group amended and restated its secured term loan facility of $
2.2Principles of consolidation
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business combinations by the Group. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the:
| ● | fair values of the assets transferred |
| ● | liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquired business |
| ● | equity interests issued by the Group |
| ● | fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement, and |
| ● | fair value of any pre-existing equity interest in the subsidiary. |
F-13
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
2 | Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) |
2.2Principles of consolidation (continued)
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are, with limited exceptions, measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Group recognizes any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquired entity’s net identifiable assets.
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
The excess of the:
| ● | consideration transferred, and |
| ● | acquisition date fair value of any previous interest in the acquired entity over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the business acquired, the difference is recognized directly in profit or loss as a bargain purchase. |
Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the transferred asset. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.
2.3 | Segment reporting |
The Group has
2.4 | Foreign currency translation |
(i) | Functional and presentation currency |
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the Group’s functional and presentation currency.
(ii) | Transactions and balances |
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year-end exchange rates are generally recognized in profit or loss. They are deferred in other comprehensive income if they relate to qualifying cash flow hedges. Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to unhedged borrowings are presented in the statement of profit or loss, within finance costs or finance income. Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to transfer fees receivable from other football clubs are presented in the statement of profit or loss on a net basis within profit on disposal of intangible assets. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the statement of profit or loss on a net basis within operating expenses.
F-14
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
2Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
2.4Foreign currency translation (continued)
(iii) | Exchange rates |
The most important exchange rates per £1.00 that have been used in preparing the financial statements are:
Closing rate | Average rate | |||||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
Euro | | | | | | | ||||||
US Dollar |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
2.5 | Revenue recognition |
The Group’s accounting policies for revenue from contracts with customers are disclosed in Note 4.
2.6 | Employee benefits |
(i) | Short-term obligations |
Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits and annual leave that are expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the related service, are recognized in respect of employees’ services up to the end of the reporting period and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. The liabilities are presented as accruals and classified as current liabilities in the balance sheet.
(ii) | Football staff remuneration |
Remuneration is charged to operating expenses on a straight-line basis over the contract periods based on the amount payable to players and key football management staff for that period. Any performance bonuses are recognized when the Company considers that it is probable that the condition related to the payment will be achieved.
Signing-on fees are typically paid to players and key football management staff in equal annual installments over the term of the contract. Installments are paid at or near the beginning of each financial year and recognized as prepayments. They are subsequently charged to profit or loss (as employee benefit expenses) on a straight-line basis over the financial year. Signing-on fees paid form part of cash flows from operating activities.
Loyalty fees are bonuses which are paid to players and key football management staff either at the beginning of a renewed contract or in installments over the term of their contract in recognition for either past or future performance. Loyalty bonuses for past service are typically paid in a lump sum amount upon renewal of a contract. These loyalty bonuses require no future service and are not subject to any claw-back provisions were the individual to subsequently leave the club during their new contract term. They are expensed once the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation to make the payment. Loyalty bonuses for ongoing service are typically paid in arrears in equal annual installments over the term of the contract. These bonuses are paid at the beginning of the next financial year and the related charge is recognized within employee benefit expenses in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the current financial year.
F-15
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
2Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
2.6 | Employee benefits (continued) |
(iii) | Post-employment pension obligations |
The Group is one of a number of participating employers in The Football League Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (‘the scheme’ — see Note 29.1). The Group is unable to identify its share of the assets and liabilities of the scheme and therefore accounts for its contributions as if they were paid to a defined contribution scheme. The Group’s contributions into this scheme are reflected within the statement of profit or loss when they fall due. Full provision has been made for the additional contributions that the Group has been requested to pay to help fund the scheme deficit.
The Group also operates a defined contribution scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an independently administered fund. The Group’s contributions into this scheme are recognized as an employee benefit expenses when they are due.
(iv) | Share-based payments |
The Group operates a share-based compensation plan under which the entity receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments of the Group.
Equity-settled share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments at the grant date. The fair value excludes the effect of non-market based vesting conditions. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of equity instruments that will eventually vest. At each reporting date, the Group revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments expected to vest as a result of the effect of non-market based vesting conditions. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognized in profit or loss such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.
For cash-settled share-based payments to employees, a liability is recognized for the services acquired, measured initially at the fair value of the liability. At each reporting date until the liability is settled, and at the date of settlement, the fair value of the liability is re-measured, with any changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss for the year. Details regarding the determination of the fair value of share-based transactions are set out in Note 28.
2.7 | Exceptional items |
The Group’s accounting policies for exceptional items are disclosed in Note 6.
F-16
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
2 | Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) |
2.8 | Income tax |
The income tax expense or credit for the period is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable income based on the applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax losses.
The current income tax expense or credit is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Although the Company is organized as a Cayman Islands corporation, it reports as a US domestic corporation for US federal corporate income tax purposes and is subject to US federal corporate income tax on the Group’s worldwide income. In addition, the Group is subject to income and other taxes in various other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to (or recovered from) the tax authorities.
Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax assets are recognized only if it is probable that future taxable profit will be available to utilize those temporary differences and losses.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority.
Current and deferred tax is recognized in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income, in which case the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income.
2.9 | Dividend distribution |
Dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognized when they become legally payable. In the case of interim dividends, this is when they are paid.
2.10 | Impairment of assets |
Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate it might be impaired. Other assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use, and is calculated with reference to future discounted cash flows that the asset is expected to generate when considered as part of a cash-generating unit. Assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at the end of each reporting period. If an impairment subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment charge been recognized for the asset in prior years.
Management does not consider that it is possible to determine the value in use of an individual player or key football management staff in isolation as that individual (unless via a sale or insurance recovery) cannot generate cash flows on their own. While management does not consider that any individual player can be separated from the single cash generating unit (“CGU”), being the operations of the Group as a whole, there may be certain circumstances where an individual is taken out of the CGU, when it becomes clear that they will not participate with the club’s men’s first team again, for example, a player sustaining a career threatening injury or is permanently removed from the men’s first team playing squad for another reason. If such circumstances were to arise, the carrying value of the individual would be assessed against the Group’s best estimate of the individual’s fair value less any costs to sell and an impairment charge made in operating expenses reflecting any loss arising.
F-17
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
2Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
2.11 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is initially measured at cost (comprising the purchase price, after deducting discounts and rebates, and any directly attributable costs) and is subsequently carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment.
Subsequent costs, for example, capital improvements and refurbishment, are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of any component accounted for as a separate asset is derecognized when replaced. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred.
The depreciation methods and periods used by the Group are disclosed in Note 13.
The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in profit or loss.
2.12 Leases
The Group’s accounting policy for leases is disclosed in Note 14.
2.13 Investment properties
The Group’s accounting policy for investment properties is disclosed in Note 15.
2.14 Intangible assets
The cost of and amortization methods and periods used by the Group for goodwill, registrations and other intangible assets are disclosed in Note 16.
The assets’ useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.
Assets available for sale (principally players’ registrations) are classified as assets held for sale when their carrying value is expected to be recovered principally through a sale transaction and a sale is considered to be highly probable. Highly probable is defined as being actively marketed by the club, with unconditional offers having been received prior to the end of a reporting period. These assets would be stated at the lower of the carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.
Gains and losses on disposal of players’ and key football management staff registrations are determined by comparing the value of the consideration receivable, net of any transaction costs, with the carrying amount and are recognized separately in profit or loss within profit on disposal of intangible assets. Where a part of the consideration receivable is contingent on specified performance conditions, this amount is recognized in profit or loss when receipt is virtually certain.
Loan income on players temporarily loaned to other football clubs is recognized separately in profit or loss within profit on disposal of intangible assets.
2.15 Inventories
The Group’s accounting policy for inventories is disclosed in Note 18.
2.16 Trade receivables
The Group’s accounting policy for trade receivables is disclosed in Note 19.
F-18
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
2Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
2.17 Derivatives and hedging activities
Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The accounting for subsequent changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group designates certain derivatives as hedges of a particular risk associated with the cash flows of recognized assets and liabilities and highly probable forecast transactions (cash flow hedges).
At inception of the hedge relationship, the Group documents the economic relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, including whether changes in the cash flows of the hedging instruments are expected to offset changes in the cash flows of hedged items. The Group documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking its hedge transactions.
The fair values of derivative financial instruments are disclosed in Note 20. Movements in the hedging reserve are shown in the statement of changes in equity. The full fair value of a derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the item is more than 12 months, it is classified as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the item is less than 12 months.
(i) | Cash flow hedges that qualify for hedge accounting |
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive loss. The gain or loss relating to any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
The Group hedges the foreign exchange risk on a portion of contracted, and hence highly probable, future US dollar revenues whenever possible using a portion of the Group’s US dollar net borrowings as the hedging instrument. Foreign exchange gains or losses arising on re-translation of the Group’s US dollar net borrowings used in the hedge are initially recognized in other comprehensive loss, rather than being recognized in profit or loss immediately. The foreign exchange gains or losses arising on re-translation of the Group’s unhedged US dollar borrowings are recognized in profit or loss immediately.
The Group hedges its cash flow interest rate risk where considered appropriate using interest rate swaps. Such interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting a portion of variable rate borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap is initially recognized in other comprehensive loss, rather than being recognized in profit or loss immediately. The gain or loss relating to any ineffective portion is recognized in profit or loss immediately.
The Group also hedges the foreign exchange risk on a number of euro denominated transfer payables, when considered appropriate, through the use of forward contracts. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of these contracts is initially recognized in other comprehensive loss, rather than being recognized in profit or loss immediately. The gain or loss relating to any ineffective portion is recognized in profit or loss immediately.
Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive loss and accumulated in the hedging reserve within equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss (for example, when the forecast transaction that is hedged takes place).
When a hedging instrument expires or is sold or terminated, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative deferred gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is reclassified when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognized in profit or loss. When the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately reclassified to profit or loss.
(ii) | Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting |
Certain derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments and consequently do not qualify for hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of any derivative instrument that does not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized immediately in profit or loss.
F-19
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
2Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
2.18 Cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of presentation in the consolidated balance sheet and the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, and, if applicable, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
2.19 Share capital and reserves
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds of the issue.
Where any Group company purchases the Company’s equity instruments, for example as the result of a share buy-back, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes), is deducted from equity attributable to the owners of Manchester United plc as treasury shares until the shares are cancelled or reissued.
The merger reserve arose as a result of reorganization transactions and represents the difference between the equity of the acquired company (Red Football Shareholder Limited) and the investment by the acquiring company (Manchester United plc).
The hedging reserve is used to reflect the effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges.
2.20 Trade and other payables
The Group’s accounting policy for trade and other payables is disclosed in Note 24.
2.21 Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognized at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption amount is recognized in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest rate method. Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognized as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case the fee is deferred until draw-down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalized as a prepayment for liquidity services and amortized over the period of the facility to which it relates.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the end of the reporting period.
2.22 Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.
Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period. The discount rate used to determine the present value is the pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as an interest expense.
F-20
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
3 | Critical estimates and judgments |
The preparation of financial statements requires the use of accounting estimates which, by definition, will seldom equal the actual results. Management also needs to exercise judgment in applying the Group’s accounting policies.
This note provides an overview of the areas that involved a higher degree of judgment or complexity, and of items which are more likely to be materially adjusted due to estimates and assumptions turning out to be wrong. Detailed information about each of these estimates and judgments is included in other notes together with information about the basis of calculation for each affected line item in the financial statements.
3.1 | Significant estimates and assumptions |
The areas involving significant estimates are:
| ● | Estimate of minimum guarantee revenue recognition — see Note 4.3(i) |
| ● | Estimate of value of registrations — see Note 16 |
| ● | Recognition of deferred tax assets — see Note 17 |
| ● | Recognition of tax related provisions – see Note 26 |
Management does not consider there to be any significant judgments in the preparation of the financial statements.
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated. They are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that may have a financial impact on the Group and that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
4 | Revenue from contracts with customers |
4.1 | Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers |
The principal activity of the Group is the operation of men’s and women’s professional football clubs. All of the activities of the Group support the operation of the football clubs and the success of the men’s first team in particular is critical to the ongoing development of the Group. Consequently the chief operating decision maker regards the Group as operating in
All revenue derives from the Group’s principal activity in the United Kingdom. Revenue can be analysed into its
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Sponsorship | | | | |||
Retail, merchandising, apparel & products licensing revenue | | | | |||
Commercial |
| |
| |
| |
Domestic competitions | | | | |||
European competitions | | | | |||
Other | | | | |||
Broadcasting |
| |
| |
| |
Matchday |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
F-21
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
4 | Revenue from contracts with customers (continued) |
4.1 | Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers (continued) |
Revenue derived from entities accounting for more than 10% of revenue in either 2023, 2022 or 2021 were as follows:
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | ||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | ||
Customer A |
| |
| |
| | |
Customer B |
| |
| |
| | |
Customer C |
| <10 | % | | |
All non-current assets are held within the United Kingdom.
4.2 | Assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers |
Details of movements on assets related to contracts with customers are as follows:
Current contract | ||
assets — accrued | ||
revenue | ||
| £’000 | |
At 1 July 2021 | | |
Recognized in revenue during the year | | |
Cash received/amounts invoiced during the year | ( | |
At 30 June 2022 | | |
Recognized in revenue during the year | | |
Cash received/amounts invoiced during the year | ( | |
At 30 June 2023 | |
A contract asset (accrued revenue) is recognized if commercial, broadcasting or Matchday revenue performance obligations are satisfied prior to unconditional consideration being due under the contract.
Details of movements on liabilities related to contracts with customers are as follows:
| Current contract |
| Non-current |
| Total contract | |
liabilities – | contract liabilities – | liabilities – | ||||
deferred revenue | deferred revenue | deferred revenue | ||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
At 1 July 2021 |
| ( | ( | ( | ||
Recognized in revenue during the year |
| | — | | ||
Cash received/amounts invoiced during the year |
| ( | — | ( | ||
Reclassified during the year |
| ( | | — | ||
At 30 June 2022 |
| ( | ( | ( | ||
Recognized in revenue during the year |
| | — | | ||
Cash received/amounts invoiced during the year |
| ( | — | ( | ||
Reclassified during the year |
| ( | | — | ||
At 30 June 2023 |
| ( | ( | ( |
Commercial, broadcasting and Matchday consideration which is received in advance of the performance obligation being satisfied is treated as a contract liability (deferred revenue). The deferred revenue is then recognized as revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. The Group receives substantial amounts of deferred revenue prior to the previous financial year end which is then recognized as revenue throughout the current and, where applicable, future financial years.
F-22
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
4 | Revenue from contracts with customers (continued) |
4.3 | Accounting policies and significant judgments |
Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable from the Group’s principal activities excluding transfer fees and value added tax. The Group’s principal revenue streams are Commercial, Broadcasting and Matchday. The Group recognizes revenue when the transaction price can be determined; when it is probable that it will collect the consideration to which it is entitled; and when specific performance obligations have been met for each of the Group’s activities as described below.
In instances where the transaction price contains an element of variable or contingent consideration, revenue is recognized based on the most likely amount expected to be received, but only to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable or contingent consideration is subsequently resolved.
(i) | Commercial |
Commercial revenue (whether settled in cash or value in kind) comprises revenue receivable from the exploitation of the Manchester United brand through sponsorship and other commercial agreements, including minimum guaranteed revenue, revenue receivable from retailing Manchester United branded merchandise in the United Kingdom and licensing the manufacture, distribution and sale of such goods globally, and fees for the Manchester United men’s first team undertaking tours.
Revenue is recognized over the term of the sponsorship agreement in line with the performance obligations included within the contract and based on the sponsorship rights enjoyed by the individual sponsor. In instances where the sponsorship rights remain the same over the duration of the contract, revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied evenly over time (i.e. on a straight-line basis).
Retail revenue is recognized when control of the products has transferred, being at the point of sale to the customer. License revenue in respect of right to access licences is recognized in line with the performance obligations included within the contract, in instances where these remain the same over the duration of the contract, revenue is recognized evenly on a time elapsed (i.e. straight-line) basis. Sales-based royalty revenue is recognized only when the subsequent sale is made.
Significant estimates
A number of sponsorship contracts contain significant estimates in relation to the allocation and recognition of revenue in line with performance obligations. Minimum guaranteed revenue is recognized over the term of the sponsorship agreement in line with the performance obligations included within the contract and based on the sponsorship benefits enjoyed by the individual sponsor. In instances where the sponsorship rights remain the same over the duration of the contract, revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied evenly over time (i.e. on a straight-line basis).
Subsequent to the balance sheet date, on 21 July 2023, the Group signed a
F-23
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
4 | Revenue from contracts with customers (continued) |
4.3 | Accounting policies and significant judgments (continued) |
(ii) | Broadcasting |
Broadcasting revenue represents revenue receivable from all UK and overseas broadcasting contracts, including contracts negotiated centrally by the Premier League and UEFA.
Distributions from the Premier League comprise a fixed element (which is recognized evenly as each performance obligation is satisfied, i.e. as each Premier League match is played), facility fees for live coverage and highlights of domestic home and away matches (which are recognized when the respective performance obligation is satisfied, i.e. the respective match is played), and merit awards (which, being variable consideration, are recognized when each performance obligation is satisfied i.e. as each Premier League match is played, based on management’s estimate of where the men’s first team will finish at the end of the football season i.e. the most likely outcome and to the extent that it is deemed highly probably that no revenue recognized will be reversed).
Distributions from UEFA relating to participation in European competitions comprise market pool payments (which are recognized over the matches played in the competition, a portion of which reflects Manchester United’s performance relative to the other Premier League clubs in the competition), fixed amounts for participation in individual matches (which are recognized when the matches are played) and an individual club coefficient share (which is recognized over the group stage matches).
(iii) | Matchday |
Matchday revenue is recognized based on matches played throughout the year with revenue from each match (including season ticket allocated amounts) only being recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied i.e. the match has been played. Revenue from related activities such as Conference and Events or the Museum is recognized as the event or service is provided or the facility is used.
Matchday revenue includes revenue receivable from all domestic and European match day activities from Manchester United games at Old Trafford, together with the Group’s share of gate receipts from domestic cup matches not played at Old Trafford, and fees for arranging other events at the Old Trafford stadium. As the Group acts as the principal in the sale of match tickets, the share of gate receipts payable to the other participating club and competition organizer for domestic cup matches played at Old Trafford is treated as an operating expense.
F-24
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
5 | Operating expenses |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Employee benefit expenses (Note 7) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Short-term and low value leases |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Auditors’ remuneration: audit of parent company and consolidated financial statements |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Auditors’ remuneration: audit of the Company’s subsidiaries |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Auditors’ remuneration: audit-related services | ( | ( | ( | |||
Auditors’ remuneration: other audit services |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
Auditors’ remuneration: tax compliance and tax advice services |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Foreign exchange losses on operating activities |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Depreciation - property, plant and equipment (Note 13) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Depreciation – right-of-use assets (Note 14) | ( | ( | ( | |||
Depreciation - investment properties (Note 15) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Amortization – intangible assets (Note 16) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Sponsorship, other commercial and broadcasting costs |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
External Matchday costs |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Travel and entertaining costs | ( | ( | ( | |||
Legal, professional and consultancy costs | ( | ( | ( | |||
Property and utility costs |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Other operating expenses (individually less than £ |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Exceptional items (Note 6) |
| — |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
6 | Exceptional items |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Compensation for loss of office |
| — |
| |
| — |
Football League pension scheme deficit (Note 29) |
| — |
| |
| — |
| — |
| |
| — |
Exceptional items in the current year were £nil.
In the prior year, compensation paid for loss of office relates to amounts payable to former men’s first team managers, certain members of the playing, coaching and scouting staff and certain non-playing staff.
The Football League pension scheme deficit reflects the present value of the additional contributions the Group is expected to pay to remedy the revised deficit of the scheme pursuant to the latest triennial actuarial valuation.
| (i) | Accounting policy |
Exceptional items are disclosed separately in the financial statements where it is necessary to do so to provide further understanding of the financial performance of the Group. They are material items of income or expense that have been shown separately due to the significance of their nature or amount.
F-25
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
7 | Employee benefit expenses |
7.1Employee benefit expenses and average number of people employed
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Wages and salaries (including bonuses) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Social security costs |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Share-based payments (Note 28) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Pension costs - defined contribution schemes (Note 29.2) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Details of the pension arrangements offered by the Company and the Group are disclosed in Note 29.
The average number of employees during the year, including directors, was as follows:
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
| Number |
| Number |
| Number | |
By activity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Football – men’s and women’s players |
| |
| |
| |
Football - technical and coaching |
| |
| |
| |
Commercial |
| |
| |
| |
Media |
| |
| |
| |
Administration and other |
| |
| |
| |
Average number of employees |
| |
| |
| |
The Group also employs approximately
7.2Key management compensation
Key management includes directors (executive and non-executive) of the Company. The compensation paid or payable to key management for employee services, which is included in the employee benefit expense table above, is shown below:
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Short-term employee benefits |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Share-based payments |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Post-employment benefits |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
F-26
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
8 | Profit on disposal of intangible assets |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Profit on disposal of registrations |
| |
| |
| |
Player loan income |
| — |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
9 | Net finance (costs)/income |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Interest payable on secured term loan facility, senior secured notes and revolving facilities |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Interest payable on lease liabilities (Note 14) | ( | ( | ( | |||
Amortization of issue costs on secured term loan facility and senior secured notes |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Foreign exchange losses on retranslation of unhedged US dollar borrowings(1) |
| — |
| ( |
| — |
Unwinding of discount relating to registrations |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Reclassified from hedging reserve (3) | — | — | ( | |||
Interest on provisions | ( | — | — | |||
Hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges | — | ( | — | |||
Fair value movements on derivative financial instruments: |
|
|
| |||
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives |
| ( |
| — |
| — |
Foreign currency options | — | — | ( | |||
Total finance costs |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Interest receivable on short-term bank deposits | | | | |||
Foreign exchange gains on retranslation of unhedged US dollar borrowings(2) | | — | | |||
Reclassified from hedging reserve (3) | — | | — | |||
Hedge ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges |
| |
| — |
| |
Fair value movement on derivative financial instruments: | ||||||
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | — | | | |||
Total finance income | | | | |||
Net finance (costs)/income |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| (1) | Unrealized foreign exchange losses on unhedged USD borrowings due to an unfavorable swing in foreign exchange rates. |
| (2) | Unrealized foreign exchange gains on unhedged USD borrowings due to a favorable swing in foreign exchange rates. |
| (3) | Foreign exchange gains/(losses) immediately reclassified from the hedging reserve for hedged future revenues no longer meeting the hedge accounting criteria due to a change in denomination of the contract currency. |
F-27
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
10 | Income tax credit/(expense) |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
£’000 | £’000 | £’000 | ||||
Current tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current tax on loss for the year |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Adjustment in respect of previous years |
| ( |
| |
| |
Foreign tax |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Total current tax (expense)/credit |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Deferred tax: |
|
|
| |||
US deferred tax: |
|
|
| |||
Origination and reversal of temporary differences |
| — |
| — |
| |
Re-measurement of US deferred tax asset | — | — | ( | |||
Adjustment in respect of previous years |
| — |
| — |
| |
Total US deferred tax expense (Note 17) |
| — |
| — |
| ( |
UK deferred tax: |
|
|
| |||
Origination and reversal of temporary differences |
| |
| |
| |
Adjustment in respect of previous years |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Impact of change in UK corporation tax rate |
| — |
| — |
| ( |
Total UK deferred tax credit/(expense) (Note 17) |
| |
| |
| ( |
Total deferred tax credit/(expense) |
| |
| |
| ( |
Total income tax credit/(expense) |
| |
| |
| ( |
A reconciliation of the total income tax credit/(expense) is as follows:
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Loss before income tax |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Loss before tax multiplied by weighted average UK corporation tax rate of |
| |
| |
| |
Tax effects of: |
|
|
| |||
Adjustment in respect of previous years |
| ( |
| |
| |
Difference in tax rates on non-US operations |
| — |
| — |
| |
Foreign exchange losses on US dollar denominated tax basis |
| — |
| — |
| ( |
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Irrecoverable foreign tax credits | ( | ( | — | |||
Impact of change in UK Corporation tax rate(1) | | | ( | |||
Unrealized foreign exchange gains not taxable in the US | — | — | | |||
Re-measurement of foreign tax credit US deferred tax asset | — | — | — | |||
Total income tax credit/(expense) |
| |
| |
| ( |
(1) | The credit of £ |
F-28
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
10 | Income tax credit/(expense) (continued) |
In addition to the amount recognized in the statement of profit or loss, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognized directly in other comprehensive loss:
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
US deferred tax (Note 17) |
| — |
| — |
| |
UK deferred tax (Note 17) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Total deferred tax |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Current tax |
| — |
| — |
| ( |
Total income tax expense recognized in other comprehensive loss |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
11 | Loss per share |
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
Loss for the year (£’000) | ( | ( | ( | |||
Basic loss per share (pence) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Diluted loss per share (pence)(1) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
(i) | Basic loss per share |
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss for the year by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the financial year.
(ii) | Diluted loss per share |
Diluted loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Company has
(iii) | Weighted average number of shares used as the denominator |
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||
Number | Number | Number | ||||
| ‘000 |
| ‘000 |
| ‘000 | |
Class A ordinary shares |
| |
| |
| |
Class B ordinary shares |
| |
| |
| |
Treasury shares | ( | ( | ( | |||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in calculating basic loss per share |
| |
| |
| |
Adjustment for calculation of diluted loss per share assumed conversion into Class A ordinary shares(1) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
Weighted average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares used as the denominator in calculating diluted loss per share(1) |
| |
| |
| |
| (1) | For the years ended 30 June 2023, 30 June 2022 and 30 June 2021, potential ordinary shares are anti-dilutive, as their inclusion in the diluted loss per share calculation would reduce the loss per share, and hence have been excluded. |
F-29
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
12 | Dividends |
Dividends paid in the year were $
13 | Property, plant and equipment |
Freehold | Plant and | Fixtures | ||||||
property | machinery | and fittings | Total | |||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
At 1 July 2021 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Cost |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Year ended 30 June 2022 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Opening net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Additions |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Transfers |
| — |
| |
| ( |
| — |
Depreciation charge |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Closing net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
At 30 June 2022 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Cost |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Year ended 30 June 2023 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Opening net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Additions |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Depreciation charge |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Closing net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
At 30 June 2023 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Cost |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
(i) | Assets pledged as security |
Property, plant and equipment with a net book amount of £
(ii) | Depreciation methods and useful lives |
Land is not depreciated. With the exception of freehold property acquired before 1 August 1999, depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate cost, net of residual values, over the estimated useful lives as follows:
Freehold property | |
Computer equipment and software (included within Plant and machinery) | |
Plant and machinery | |
Fixtures and fittings |
Freehold property acquired before 1 August 1999 is depreciated on a reducing balance basis at an annual rate of
See Note 2.11 for the other accounting policies relevant to property, plant and equipment, and Note 2.10 for the Group’s policy regarding impairments.
F-30
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
13 | Property, plant and equipment (continued) |
(iii) | Capital commitments |
See Note 32.1 for disclosure of capital commitments relating to property, plant and equipment.
14 | Leases |
(i) | Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet |
The balance sheet shows the following amounts relating to leases:
Right-of-use assets:
2023 | 2022 | |||
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Property |
| |
| |
Plant and machinery |
| |
| |
Total |
| |
| |
Additions to right-of-use assets in the year amounted £
Lease liabilities:
2023 | 2022 | |||
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Current |
| |
| |
Non-current |
| |
| |
Total lease liabilities |
| |
| |
The following table provides an analysis of the movements in lease liabilities:
| £’000 | |
As at 1 July 2021 |
| |
Cash flows |
| ( |
Additions | | |
Accretion expense | | |
As at 30 June 2022 | | |
Cash flows | ( | |
Additions | | |
Accretion expense | | |
As at 30 June 2023 |
| |
F-31
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
14 | Leases (continued) |
(ii) | Amounts recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss: |
2023 | 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Depreciation charge of right-of-use assets |
|
|
|
| ||
Property |
| ( | ( | ( | ||
Plant and machinery |
| ( | ( | ( | ||
| ( | ( | ( | |||
Interest expense (included in finance cost) |
| ( | ( | ( | ||
Expense relating to short-term leases (included in operating expenses) |
| ( | ( | ( | ||
Expense relating to low value leases (included in operating expenses) |
| — | ( | ( |
(iii) | The group’s leasing activities and how these are accounted for |
The Group leases various offices and equipment. All leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value, are recognized as a right-of-use asset, with a corresponding lease liability, at the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group.
The lease agreements do not impose any covenants other than the security interests in the right-of-use assets that are held by the lessor. Right-of-use assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.
Lease liabilities are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present value of lease payments, less any lease incentives receivable. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be determined, which is generally the case for leases of the Group, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the Group would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions.
Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.
Right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost comprising the following:
| ● | the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability; |
| ● | any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; |
| ● | any initial direct costs; and |
| ● | restoration costs. |
Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis.
Payments associated with short-term leases of property, plant and equipment and all leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less.
F-32
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
15 | Investment properties |
| £’000 | |
At 1 July 2021 |
| |
Cost |
| |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
Year ended 30 June 2022 |
| |
Opening net book amount |
| |
Depreciation charge |
| ( |
Closing net book amount |
| |
At 30 June 2022 |
| |
Cost |
| |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
Year ended 30 June 2023 |
| |
Opening net book amount |
| |
Depreciation charge |
| ( |
Closing net book amount |
| |
At 30 June 2023 |
| |
Cost |
| |
Accumulated depreciation and impairment |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| (i) | Other amounts recognized in profit or loss for investment properties |
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
£’000 | £’000 | |||
Rental revenue |
| |
| |
Direct operating (credits)/expenses from properties, all of which generated rental revenue |
| ( |
| |
The future minimum rentals receivable under non-cancellable operating leases are disclosed in Note 32.2.
| (ii) | Carrying value of investment properties |
(iii) | Contractual commitments |
The Group had no material contractual commitments to purchase, construct or develop investment properties or for repairs, maintenance or enhancements (2022: not material).
F-33
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
16 | Intangible assets |
Other intangible | ||||||||
| Goodwill |
| Registrations |
| assets |
| Total | |
| £’000 | £’000 | £’000 | £’000 | ||||
At 1 July 2021 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Cost |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Accumulated amortization |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Year ended 30 June 2022 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Opening net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Additions |
| — |
| |
|
| | |
Disposals |
| — |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Amortization charge |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Closing book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
At 30 June 2022 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Cost |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Accumulated amortization |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Year ended 30 June 2023 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Opening net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Additions |
| — |
| |
|
| | |
Disposals |
| — |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Amortization charge |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Closing book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
At 30 June 2023 |
|
|
|
| ||||
Cost |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Accumulated amortization |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book amount |
| |
| |
| |
| |
(i) | Cost of and amortization methods and useful lives |
Goodwill arose largely in relation to the Group’s acquisition of Manchester United Limited in 2005 and represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but it is tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate it might be impaired. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
When goodwill is tested for impairment, the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is determined based on a value-in-use calculation. This calculation requires the use of estimates, both in arriving at the expected future cash flows and the application of a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of these cash flows. These calculations have been carried out in accordance with the assumptions set out below.
The value-in-use calculations have used pre-tax cash flow projections based on the financial budgets approved by management covering a
Management considers there to be
The other key assumptions used in the value in use calculations for each period are the pre-tax discount rate, which has been determined at
F-34
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
16Intangible assets (continued)
(i)Cost of and amortization methods and useful lives (continued)
Management determined budgeted revenue growth based on historical performance and its expectations of market development. The discount rates are pre-tax and reflect the specific risks relating to the business.
The following sensitivity analysis was performed:
| ● | increase the discount rate by |
| ● | more prudent assumptions around qualification for European competitions; and |
| ● | increase future capital expenditure. |
In each of these scenarios the estimated recoverable amount substantially exceeds the carrying value for the cash generating unit and accordingly
Having assessed the future anticipated cash flows, management believes that any reasonably possible changes in key assumptions would not result in an impairment of goodwill.
The costs associated with the acquisition of players’ and key football management staff registrations are capitalized at the value of the consideration payable, being the discounted value of cashflows payable under the relevant agreements. This discount is then unwound through finance costs over the life of each contract. Costs include transfer fees, Premier League levy fees, agents’ fees incurred by the club and other directly attributable costs. Costs also include the estimated value of any contingent consideration, which is primarily payable to the player’s former club (with associated levy fees payable to the Premier League), once payment becomes probable. Subsequent reassessments of the amount of contingent consideration payable are also included in the cost of the player’s and key football management staff registration.
Registrations costs are fully amortized using the straight-line method over the period covered by the player’s and key football management staff contract. Where a contract is extended, any costs associated with securing the extension are added to the unamortized balance (at the date of the amendment) and the revised book value is amortized over the remaining revised contract life.
The Group will perform an impairment review on intangible assets, including player and key football management staff registrations, if adverse events indicate that the amortized carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. While no individual can be separated from the single cash generating unit (“CGU”), being the operations of the Group as a whole, there may be certain circumstances where an individual is taken out of the CGU, when it becomes clear that they will not participate with the club’s first team again, for example, a player sustaining a career threatening injury or is permanently removed from the first team squad for another reason. If such circumstances were to arise, the carrying value of the individual would be assessed against the Group’s best estimate of the individual’s fair value less any costs to sell.
Other intangible assets comprise website, mobile applications, software and trademark registration costs and are initially measured at cost and are subsequently carried at cost less accumulated amortization and any provision for impairment. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method to write-down assets to their residual value over the estimated useful lives as follows:
Website, mobile applications and software |
| |
Trademark registrations |
See Note 2.14 for the other accounting policies relevant to intangible assets and Note 2.10 for the Group’s policy regarding impairments.
F-35
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
16Intangible assets (continued)
(i)Cost of and amortization methods and useful lives (continued)
Significant estimates — value of registrations
The costs associated with the acquisition of players’ and key football management staff registrations include an estimate of any contingent consideration that is probable at the balance sheet date. The estimate of the probable contingent consideration payable requires management to assess the likelihood of specific performance conditions being met which would trigger the payment of the contingent consideration. This assessment is carried out on an individual basis. The maximum additional amount that could be payable as of 30 June 2023 is disclosed in Note 31.1. The estimate over the probability of contingent consideration payable could impact the net book value of registrations and amortization recognized in the statement of profit or loss.
The unamortized balance of existing registrations as of 30 June 2023 was £
(ii) | Capital commitments |
See Note 32.1 for disclosure of capital commitments relating to other intangible assets.
(iii) | Internally generated other intangible assets |
Other intangible assets include internally generated assets whose cost and accumulated amortization as of 30 June 2023 was £
17 | Deferred tax |
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset where the Group has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after allowable offset):
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
£’000 | £’000 | |||
UK deferred tax liabilities |
| |
| |
At 30 June |
| |
| |
The movement in deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities during the year is as follows:
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
£’000 | £’000 | |||
At 1 July |
| |
| |
Credited to statement of profit or loss (Note 10) |
| ( |
| ( |
Expensed to other comprehensive income (Note 10) |
| |
| |
Credit relating to share-based payments(1) | ( | — | ||
At 30 June |
| |
| |
F-36
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
17 | Deferred tax (continued) |
The movement in US net deferred tax assets are as follows:
Unrealized |
| |||||||
Net | foreign | |||||||
operating | exchange | |||||||
losses and | and | Property, | ||||||
interest | derivative | plant and | ||||||
restriction | movements | equipment | Total(2) | |||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
At 1 July 2021 |
| ( |
| — |
| | — | |
Expensed/(credited) to statement of profit or loss (Note 10) |
| ( |
| |
| ( | — | |
At 30 June 2022 |
| ( |
| |
| | — | |
Expensed/(credited) to statement of profit or loss (Note 10) |
| |
| ( |
| | — | |
At 30 June 2023 |
| ( |
| |
| | — |
| (1) | Credits relating to share-based payments arise on the movement in the share price on equity-settled awards between the grant date and the reporting date – see consolidated statement of changes in equity above. |
| (2) | The deferred tax assets were written down in the year ended 30 June 2021 to the extent that they will not shelter profits arising from the unwinding of the deferred tax liability. This is due to the change in the substantively enacted UK Corporation tax rate from |
The movement in UK net deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
| Accelerated |
|
| Non |
| Property |
| Net |
|
| ||||
| tax | qualifying | fair value | operating | ||||||||||
depreciation | Intangibles | property | adjustment | losses | Other(1) | Total(2) | ||||||||
£’000 | £’000 | £’000 | £’000 | £’000 | £’000 | £’000 | ||||||||
At 1 July 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
(Credited)/expensed to statement of profit or loss (Note 10) |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Expensed to other comprehensive income (Note 10) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| |
| |
| |
At 30 June 2022 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
| |
Expensed/(credited) to statement of profit or loss (Note 10) |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Expensed to other comprehensive income (Note 10) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| |
| |
| |
Credit relating to share based payments | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||
At 30 June 2023 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| (1) | The “Other” deferred tax asset balance primarily comprises foreign exchange differences; fair value movements recognized in the hedging reserve; pensions not paid in the year and salaries not paid before 31 March 2024. |
| (2) | Of the total deferred tax liability, £ |
F-37
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
17Deferred tax (continued)
Significant estimates - recognition of deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the associated deductions will be available for use against future profits and that there will be sufficient future taxable profit available against which the temporary differences can be utilized, provided the asset can be reliably quantified. In estimating future taxable profit, management uses “base case” approved forecasts which incorporate a number of assumptions, including a prudent level of future uncontracted revenue in the forecast period. In arriving at a judgment in relation to the recognition of deferred tax assets, management considers the regulations applicable to tax and advice on their interpretation and potential future business planning. Future taxable income may be higher or lower than estimates made when determining whether it is appropriate to record a tax asset and the amount to be recorded. Furthermore, changes in the legislative framework or applicable tax case law may result in management reassessing the recognition of deferred tax assets in future periods.
At 30 June 2023 there is an unrecognized US deferred tax asset of £
General | ||||||||||||||
Net operating | Accruals not | Salary not | ||||||||||||
losses and | paid within 8.5 | paid with | ||||||||||||
Foreign | interest | months of | 2.5 months | Intangible | ||||||||||
tax credits | restriction | year end | of year end | assets | Other | Total | ||||||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Unrecognized US deferred tax asset | | | | | | | |
At 30 June 2023, the Group had
18 | Inventories |
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
£’000 | £’000 | |||
Finished goods |
| |
| |
(i) | Accounting policy |
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The cost of finished goods comprises cost of purchase and, where appropriate, other directly attributable costs. It excludes borrowing costs. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less estimated costs necessary to make the sale.
(ii) | Amounts recognized in profit or loss |
Inventories recognized as an expense during the year ended 30 June 2023 amounted to £
Write down of inventories to net realizable value amounted to £
Reversal of previous inventory write-down amounted to £
F-38
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
19 | Trade receivables |
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
£’000 | £’000 | |||
Trade receivables |
| |
| |
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables |
| ( |
| ( |
Net trade receivables |
| |
| |
Less: non-current portion |
|
| ||
Trade receivables |
| |
| |
Current trade receivables |
| |
| |
(i) | Accounting policy |
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade receivables are recognized initially at fair value. The Group holds trade receivables with the objective to collect the contractual cash flows and therefore measures them subsequently at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Details about the Group’s impairment policies and the calculation of the provision for impairment are provided in Note 30.1(b). If collection is expected in one year or less, they are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as non-current assets.
(ii) | Amounts included in trade receivables |
Net trade receivables include transfer fees receivable from other football clubs of £
(iii) | Fair value of trade receivables |
Gross contractual trade receivables pre discounting as at 30 June 2023 were £
(iv) | Impairment and risk exposure |
Information about the impairment of trade receivables, their credit quality and the Group’s exposure to foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and credit risk can be found in Note 30.
F-39
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
20 | Derivative financial instruments |
The Group has the following derivative financial instruments:
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | |||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Used for hedging: |
|
|
|
| ||||
Interest rate swaps |
| | — |
| | — | ||
Forward foreign exchange contracts |
| | ( |
| — | — | ||
At fair value through profit or loss: |
|
| ||||||
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives |
| | ( |
| | — | ||
Forward foreign exchange contracts |
| — | — |
| | ( | ||
| | ( |
| | ( | |||
Less non-current portion: |
|
| ||||||
Used for hedging: |
|
| ||||||
Interest rate swaps |
| — | — |
| | — | ||
Forward foreign exchange contracts | | ( | ||||||
At fair value through profit or loss: |
| |||||||
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives |
| | — |
| | — | ||
Forward foreign exchange contracts |
| — | — |
| | ( | ||
Non-current derivative financial instruments |
| | ( |
| | ( | ||
Current derivative financial instruments |
| | ( |
| | ( | ||
(i) | Fair value hierarchy |
Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value. The different levels used in measuring fair value have been defined in accounting standards as follows:
| ● | Level 1 - the fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period. |
| ● | Level 2 - the fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined using valuation techniques which maximize the use of observable market data and as little as possible on entity-specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in Level 2. |
| ● | Level 3 - if one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3. |
(ii) | Valuation techniques used to determine fair value |
All of the financial instruments detailed above are included in Level 2. Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include:
| ● | The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on observable yield curves; |
| ● | The fair value of embedded foreign exchange derivatives is determined as the change in the fair value of the embedded derivative at the contract inception date and the fair value of the embedded derivative at the end of the reporting period; the fair value of the embedded derivative is determined using forward exchange rates with the resulting value discounted to present value; and |
| ● | The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using forward exchange rates at the end of the reporting period, with the resulting value discounted back to present value. |
F-40
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
21 | Cash and cash equivalents |
2023 | 2022 | |||
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Cash at bank and in hand |
| |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows are as above.
22 | Share capital |
Number of shares | Ordinary shares | |||
| (thousands) |
| £’000 | |
At 1 July 2021 |
| |
| |
Employee share-based compensation awards — issue of shares |
| |
| |
At 30 June 2022 |
| |
| |
Employee share-based compensation awards — issue of shares |
| |
| |
At 30 June 2023 |
| |
| |
The Company has
As of 30 June 2023, the Company’s issued share capital comprised
23 | Treasury shares |
Number of shares | ||||
| (thousands) |
| £’000 | |
At 30 June 2023 and 30 June 2022 |
| ( |
| ( |
F-41
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
24 | Trade and other payables |
2023 | 2022 | |||
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Trade payables |
| |
| |
Other payables |
| |
| |
Accrued expenses |
| |
| |
Social security and other taxes |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Less: non-current portion |
|
| ||
Trade payables |
| |
| |
Other payables |
| |
| |
Non-current trade and other payables |
| |
| |
Current trade and other payables |
| |
| |
(i) | Accounting policy |
Trade and other payables are liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of the financial year which are unpaid. They are recognized initially at their fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. They are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not they are presented as non-current liabilities.
(ii) | Amounts included in trade payables |
Trade payables include transfer fees and other associated costs in relation to the acquisition of registrations of £
(iii) | Amounts included in accrued expenses |
Accrued expenses include £
(iv) | Fair value of trade payables |
Gross contractual trade payables pre discounting as at 30 June 2023 were £
F-42
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
25 | Borrowings |
2023 | 2022 | |||
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Senior secured notes |
| |
| |
Secured term loan facility |
| |
| |
Revolving facilities |
| |
| |
Accrued interest on senior secured notes and revolving facilities |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Less: non-current portion |
|
| ||
Senior secured notes |
| |
| |
Secured term loan facility |
| |
| |
Non-current borrowings |
| |
| |
Current borrowings |
| |
| |
(i) | Secured borrowings and assets pledged as security |
The senior secured notes of £
The Group has the option to redeem the senior secured notes in part, in an amount not less than
The senior secured notes were issued by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Manchester United Football Club Limited, and are guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited and MU Finance Limited and are secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities and Manchester United Football Club Limited. These entities are all wholly-owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
The secured term loan facility of £
The secured term loan facility was provided to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Manchester United Football Club Limited, and is guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited, MU Finance Limited and Manchester United Football Club Limited and is secured against substantially all of the assets of each of those entities. These entities are all wholly-owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
The Group also has £
F-43
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
25Borrowings (continued)
(i)Secured borrowings and assets pledged as security (continued)
The revolving facilities are guaranteed by Red Football Limited, Red Football Junior Limited, Manchester United Limited, MU Finance Limited and Manchester United Football Club Limited and secured against substantially all of the assets of those entities. These entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Manchester United plc.
The Group’s revolving facilities, the secured term loan facility and the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes each contain certain covenants, including a financial maintenance covenant that requires the Group to maintain a consolidated profit/loss for the period before depreciation, amortization of, and profit on disposal of, registrations, exceptional items, net finance costs and tax (“EBITDA”) of not less than £
(ii)Compliance with covenants
The Group has complied with all covenants under its revolving facilities, the secured term loan facility and the note purchase agreement governing the senior secured notes during the 2023 and 2022 reporting period.
26Provisions
Other(1) | Tax(2) | Total | ||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
At 1 July 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
Charged to profit or loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reassessment of provisions | | | | |||
Additional provisions recognized |
| — |
| |
| |
At 30 June 2022 |
| |
| |
| |
Charged to profit or loss: | ||||||
Reassessment of provisions | ( | | ( | |||
Additional provisions recognized | — | | | |||
At 30 June 2023 | | | | |||
Less: non-current portion | ||||||
Provisions | | — | | |||
Current provisions | | | |
(1) Other provision
Other provision includes, amongst other items, make good provisions as the Group is required to restore the leased premises of its office spaces to their original condition at the end of the respective lease terms. A provision has been recognized based upon the estimated expenditure required to remove any leasehold improvements. The remaining term on such leased properties is between
(2) Tax provision
Provision in respect of player related tax matters. The timing of cash outflows is by its nature uncertain but it is management’s best estimate that these will be made within the next 12 months.
F-44
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
27 | Cash flow information |
27.1 Cash generated from operations
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
| Note |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Loss before income tax |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Adjustments for: |
|
|
|
|
| |||
Depreciation |
| 13, 14, 15 |
| |
| |
| |
Amortization |
| 16 |
| |
| |
| |
Profit on disposal of intangible assets |
| 8 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net finance costs/(income) |
| 9 |
| |
| |
| ( |
Non-cash employee benefit expense - equity-settled share-based payments |
| 28 |
| |
| |
| |
Foreign exchange losses on operating activities | | | | |||||
Reclassified from hedging reserve | | ( | | |||||
Changes in working capital: | ||||||||
Inventories | ( | ( | | |||||
Prepayments |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Contract assets – accrued revenue |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| |
Trade receivables(1) |
|
|
| |
| ( |
| |
Other receivables |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Contract liabilities – deferred revenue |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Trade and other payables(1) |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| |
Provisions | | | | |||||
Cash generated from operations |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| (1) | These amounts exclude non-cash movements and movements in respect of items reported elsewhere in the consolidated statement of cash flows, primarily in investing activities (where the timing of acquisitions and disposals and related cash flows can differ), resulting in: |
| ● | a decrease in changes to trade receivables of £ |
| ● | an increase in changes to trade and other payables of £ |
27.2 | Net debt reconciliation |
Net debt is defined as non-current and current borrowings minus cash and cash equivalents. Net debt is a financial performance indicator that is used by the Group’s management to monitor liquidity risk. The Group believes that net debt is meaningful for investors as it provides a clear overview of the net indebtedness position of the Group and is used by the Chief Operating Decision Maker in managing the business.
F-45
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
27Cash flow information (continued)
27.2 | Net debt reconciliation (continued) |
The following tables provide an analysis of net debt and the movements in net debt for each of the periods presented.
Non-current | Current | Cash and cash | ||||||
borrowings | borrowings | equivalents | Total | |||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Net debt at 1 July 2021 |
| | | ( | | |||
Cash flows |
| — | | ( | | |||
Other changes |
| | ( | | ||||
Net debt at 30 June 2022 | |
| |
| ( |
| | |
Cash flows | — | ( | | | ||||
Other changes | ( | | ( | | ||||
Net debt at 30 June 2023 |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
Other changes largely comprise foreign exchange gains or losses arising on re-translation of the US dollar denominated secured term loan facility and senior secured notes, incurrence and amortization of debt issue costs and the movement on accrued interest on senior secured notes (which will be presented as operating cash flows in the statement of cash flows when paid), partially offset by foreign exchange gain or losses arising on translation of foreign currency denominated cash and cash equivalents.
28 | Share-based payments |
The Company operates a share-based award plan, the 2012 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the “Equity Plan”), established in 2012. Under the Equity Plan,
Certain directors, members of executive management and selected employees have been awarded Class A ordinary shares, pursuant to the Equity Plan. These shares are subject to varying vesting schedules over multi-year periods. Employees are not entitled to dividends until the awards vest. The fair value of these shares was the quoted market price on the date of award, adjusted where applicable for expected dividends i.e. the fair value of the awards was reduced. It is assumed that semi-annual dividends will be paid for the foreseeable future. The Company may choose whether to settle the awards wholly in shares or reduce the number of shares awarded by a value equal to the recipient’s liability to any income tax and social security contributions that would arise if all the shares due to vest had vested. Accordingly, the awards may be either equity-settled or cash-settled.
Movements in the number of share awards outstanding and therefore potentially issuable as new shares are as follows:
Number of Class A ordinary shares | ||||
| Gross award |
| Net settlement (post tax) | |
At 1 July 2022 |
| | | |
Awarded |
| | | |
Vested |
| ( | ( | |
At 30 June 2023 |
| | | |
The fair value of the shares awarded during the year was $
For the year ended 30 June 2023, the Group recognized total expenses related to equity-settled share-based payment transactions of £
F-46
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
29 | Pension arrangements |
29.1 Defined benefit scheme
The Group participates in the Football League Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (‘the Scheme’). The Scheme is a funded multi-employer defined benefit scheme where members may have periods of service attributable to several participating employers. The Group is unable to identify its share of the assets and liabilities of the Scheme and therefore accounts for its contributions as if they were paid to a defined contribution scheme. The Group has received confirmation that the assets and liabilities of the Scheme cannot be split between the participating employers. The Group is advised only of the additional contributions it is required to pay to settle the deficit. These contributions could increase in the future if one or more of the participating employers exits the Scheme.
The last triennial actuarial valuation of the Scheme was carried out at 31 August 2020 where the total deficit on the ongoing valuation basis was £
The Group currently pays total contributions of £
As of 30 June 2023, the present value of the Group’s outstanding contributions (i.e. its future liability) is £
A charge of £
The funding objective of the Trustees of the Scheme is to have sufficient assets to meet the Technical Provisions of the Scheme. In order to remove the deficit revealed at the previous actuarial valuation (dated 31 August 2020), deficit contributions are payable by all participating clubs. Payments are made in accordance with a pension contribution schedule. As the Scheme is closed to accrual, there are no additional costs associated with the accruing of members’ future benefits. In the case of a club being relegated from the Football League and being unable to settle its debt then the remaining clubs may, in exceptional circumstances, have to share the deficit.
Upon the wind-up of the Scheme with a surplus, any surplus will be used to augment benefits. Under the more likely scenario of there being a deficit, this will be split amongst the clubs in line with their contribution schedule. Should an individual club choose to leave the Scheme, they would be required to pay their share of the deficit based on a proxy buyout basis (i.e. valuing the benefits on a basis consistent with buying out the benefits with an insurance company).
29.2 Defined contribution schemes
Contributions made to defined contribution pension arrangements are charged to the statement of profit or loss in the period in which they become payable and for the year ended 30 June 2023 amounted to £
The assets of all pension schemes to which the Group contributes are held separately from the Group in independently administered funds.
F-47
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
30 | Financial risk management |
30.1 Financial risk factors
This note explains the Group’s exposure to financial risks and how those risks could affect the Group’s future financial performance. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures.
The policy for each financial risk is described in more detail below.
a)Market risk
(i)Foreign exchange risk
The Group is exposed to the following foreign exchange risks:
| ● | Significant revenue received in Euros primarily as a result of participation in UEFA club competitions. During the year ended 30 June 2023 the Group recognized a total of € |
| ● | Significant amount of commercial revenue denominated in US dollars. During the year ended 30 June 2023 the Group recognized a total of $ |
| ● | Risks arising from the US dollar denominated secured term loan facility and senior secured notes (see Note 25). At 30 June 2023 the secured term loan facility and senior secured notes included principal amounts of $ |
| ● | Payments and receipts of transfer fees may also give rise to foreign exchange exposures. Due to the nature of player transfers the Group may not always be able to predict such cash flows until the transfer has taken place. Where possible and depending on the payment profile of transfer fees payable and receivable the Group will seek to hedge future payments and receipts at the point it becomes reasonably certain that the payments will be made or the income will be received. When hedging income to be received, the Group also takes account of the credit risk of the counterparty. |
| ● | Payments of operating expenses may also give rise to foreign exchange exposures. We seek to hedge future payments either by using future foreign exchange revenue or by placing forward contracts. |
It is the policy of the Group to enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to cover specific foreign exchange payments and receipts. The following table details the forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding at the reporting date:
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Average | Foreign | Notional | Fair | Average | Foreign | Notional | Fair | |||||||||
exchange | currency | value | value | exchange | currency | value | value | |||||||||
| rate |
| €’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| rate |
| €’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Buy Euro |
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| ( |
| | ||
F-48
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
30Financial risk management (continued)
30.1 Financial risk factors (continued)
a)Market risk (continued)
(i)Foreign exchange risk (continued)
The Group also has a number of embedded foreign exchange derivatives in host Commercial revenue contracts. These are recognized separately in the financial statements at fair value since they are not closely related to the host contract. As of 30 June 2023, the fair value of such derivatives was an asset of £
Further, we are exposed to cash flow risk on fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Foreign exchange gains or losses arising on re-translation of our unhedged US dollar borrowings are recognized in the statement of profit or loss immediately and are subject to UK Corporation tax. From time to time, we may use foreign currency options to manage the unfavorable impact foreign exchange volatility may have on our cash flows.
The Group’s exposure to material foreign currency risk at the end of the reporting period, expressed in pounds sterling, was as follows:
2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Euro | US Dollar | Euro | US Dollar | |||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Contract assets — accrued revenue |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Trade receivables | | | | | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | ||||
Derivative financial assets | — | | — | | ||||
Trade and other payables | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||
Borrowings |
| — |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Derivative financial liabilities | — | ( | — | — | ||||
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | |
Sensitivity
As shown in the table above, the Group is primarily exposed to changes in Euro/GBP and USD/GBP exchange rates. The sensitivity of equity and post-tax profit as at 30 June 2023 was as follows:
| ● | if pounds sterling had strengthened by |
| ● | if pounds sterling had weakened by |
| ● | if pounds sterling had strengthened by |
| ● | if pounds sterling had weakened by |
F-49
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
30Financial risk management (continued)
30.1 Financial risk factors (continued)
a)Market risk (continued)
(ii) | Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk |
The Group has no significant interest bearing assets other than cash on deposit which attracts interest at a small margin above UK base rates.
The Group’s interest rate risk arises from its borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable interest rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group’s borrowings are denominated in US dollars and pounds sterling. Full details of the Group’s borrowings and associated interest rates can be found in Note 25.
The Group manages its cash flow interest rate risk where considered appropriate using interest rate swaps. Such interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting a portion of variable rate borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates. The impact on equity and post-tax profit of a
b)Credit risk
Credit risk is managed on a Group basis and arises from contract assets, trade receivables, other receivables, favorable derivative financial instruments, and cash and cash equivalents.
The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected provision for impairment for all trade receivables, other receivables and contract assets. To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables, other receivables and contract assets have been grouped based on shared risk characteristics and the days past due. Contract assets relate to unbilled revenue and have substantially the same risk characteristics as the trade receivables for the same types of contracts.
Gross trade receivables can be analysed by due date and whether or not impaired as follows:
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Neither past due nor impaired |
| |
| |
Past due, not impaired | | | ||
Not past due, impaired | | | ||
Past due, impaired |
| |
| |
Gross trade receivables |
| |
| |
A substantial majority of the Group’s Broadcasting revenue is derived from media contracts negotiated by the Premier League and UEFA with media distributors, and although the Premier League obtains guarantees to support certain of its media contracts, typically in the form of letters of credit issued by commercial banks, it remains the Group’s single largest credit exposure. The Group derives commercial and sponsorship revenue from certain corporate sponsors, including global, regional, mobile, media and supplier sponsors in respect of which the Group may manage its credit risk by seeking advance payments, instalments and/or bank guarantees where appropriate. The substantial majority of this revenue is derived from a limited number of sources. The Group is also exposed to other football clubs globally for the payment of transfer fees on players. Depending on the transaction, some of these fees are paid to the Group in instalments. The Group tries to manage its credit risk with respect to those clubs by requiring payments in advance or, in the case of payments on instalment, requiring bank guarantees on such payments in certain circumstances. However, the Group cannot ensure these efforts will eliminate its credit exposure to other clubs. A change in credit quality at one of the media broadcasters for the Premier League or UEFA, one of the Group’s sponsors or a club to whom the Group has sold a player can increase the risk that such counterparty is unable or unwilling to pay amounts owed to the Group. Derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents are placed with counterparties with an investment grade Moody’s rating.
F-50
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
30Financial risk management (continued)
30.1 Financial risk factors (continued)
b)Credit risk (continued)
Credit terms offered by the Group vary depending on the type of sale. For seasonal match day facilities and sponsorship contracts, payment is usually required in advance of the season to which the sale relates. For other sales the credit terms typically range from
Management considers that, based on historical information about default rates, the current strength of relationships (a number of which are recurring long term relationships), and forward-looking information, the credit quality of trade receivables and other receivables that are neither past due nor impaired, and for contract assets, is good. Trade receivables that are past due but not impaired relate to independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default. Accordingly, the identified provision for impairment for these receivables was immaterial. The identified provision for impairment of trade receivables that are past due and impaired is
The closing provision for impairment of trade receivables as of 30 June 2023 reconciles to the opening provision for impairment as follows:
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Provision as of 1 July |
| |
| |
(Decrease)/increase in provision recognized in profit or loss during the year |
| ( |
| |
Unused amount reversed – cash received | ( | ( | ||
Receivables written off during the year as uncollectible |
| ( |
| ( |
Receivables offset against contract liabilities - deferred revenue |
| |
| |
Foreign exchange gains on retranslation recognized in profit or loss during the year |
| |
| |
Provision as of 30 June |
| |
| |
Trade receivables and contact assets are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. The creation and release of provision for impaired receivables have been included in ‘other operating expenses’ in the statement of profit or loss.
While other receivables, favorable derivative financial instruments, and cash and cash equivalents are also subject to the impairment requirements of IFRS 9, the identified provision for impairment on these items was immaterial.
c)Liquidity risk
The Group’s policy is to maintain a balance of continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of secured term loan facilities, senior secured notes and other borrowings as applicable. The annual cash flow is cyclical in nature with a significant portion of cash inflows ordinarily being received prior to the start of the playing season. Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the executive directors of Manchester United plc. The directors use management information tools including budgets and cash flow forecasts to constantly monitor and manage current and future liquidity.
F-51
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
30Financial risk management (continued)
30.1 Financial risk factors (continued)
c)Liquidity risk (continued)
Cash flow forecasting is performed on a regular basis which includes rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity requirements to ensure that the Group has sufficient cash to meet operational needs while maintaining sufficient headroom on its undrawn committed borrowing facilities at all times so that the Group does not breach borrowing limits or covenants on any of its borrowing facilities. The Group’s borrowing facilities are described in Note 25. Financing facilities have been agreed at appropriate levels having regard to the Group’s operating cash flows and future development plans.
Surplus cash held by the operating entities over and above that required for working capital management are invested by Group finance in interest bearing current accounts or money market deposits. As of 30 June 2023, the Group held cash and cash equivalents of £
The table below analyses the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the reporting date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows including interest and therefore differs from the carrying amounts in the consolidated balance sheet.
| Less than 1 |
| Between 1 |
| Between 2 |
| ||
year | and 2 years | and 5 years | Over 5 years | |||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Trade and other payables excluding social security and other taxes(1) |
| |
| |
| |
| — |
Borrowings | | | | | ||||
Lease liabilities |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Non-trading derivative financial instruments(2): |
|
|
|
| ||||
Cash outflow |
| |
| |
| |
| — |
Cash inflow |
| ( | ( | ( | — | |||
At 30 June 2023 | |
| |
| |
| | |
Trade and other payables excluding social security and other taxes(1) |
| |
| |
| |
| — |
Borrowings |
| | | | | |||
Lease liabilities | | | | | ||||
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Non-trading derivative financial instruments(2): |
| |||||||
Cash inflow |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| — |
At 30 June 2022 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| (1) | Social security and other taxes are excluded from trade and other payables balance, as this analysis is required only for financial instruments. |
| (2) | Non-trading derivatives are included at their fair value at the reporting date. |
F-52
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
30 Financial risk management (continued)
30.2 Hedging activities
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain exposures, and has designated certain derivatives as hedges of cash flows (cash flow hedge).
The Group hedges the foreign exchange risk on contracted future US dollar revenues whenever possible using the Group’s US dollar net borrowings as the hedging instrument. The foreign exchange gains or losses arising on re-translation of the Group’s US dollar net borrowings used in the hedge are initially recognized in other comprehensive income, rather than being recognized in the statement of profit or loss immediately. Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the hedging reserve are subsequently reclassified into the statement of profit or loss in the same accounting period, and within the same statement of profit or loss line (i.e. commercial revenue), as the underlying future US dollar revenues, which given the varying lengths of the commercial revenue contracts will be between July 2023 to June 2025. The foreign exchange gains or losses arising on re-translation of the Group’s unhedged US dollar borrowings are recognized in the statement of profit or loss immediately (within net finance income/costs). The table below details the net borrowings being hedged at the reporting date:
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
| $’000 |
| $’000 | |
USD borrowings |
| |
| |
Hedged USD cash |
| ( |
| ( |
Net USD debt |
| |
| |
Hedged future USD revenues |
| ( |
| ( |
Unhedged USD borrowings(1) |
| |
| |
Closing exchange rate |
| |
| |
(1) | A further portion of the profit and loss exposure (within net finance income/costs) on unhedged USD borrowings is naturally offset by the fair value of foreign exchange based embedded derivatives in host Commercial revenue contracts. |
The Group hedges its cash flow interest rate risk where considered appropriate using interest rate swaps. Such interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting a portion of variable rate borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap is initially recognized in other comprehensive income, rather than being recognized in the statement of profit or loss immediately. Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the hedging reserve are subsequently reclassified into the statement of profit or loss in the same accounting period, and within the same statement of profit or loss line (i.e. finance costs), as the underlying interest payments, which given the term of the swap will be between July 2023 to June 2024. The following table details the interest rate swaps at the reporting date that are used to hedge borrowings:
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
Current hedged principal value of loan outstanding ($‘000) |
| |
| |
Rate received |
|
| ||
Rate paid |
| Fixed | Fixed | |
Expiry date |
| 30 June 2024 |
| 30 June 2024 |
As of 30 June 2023, the fair value of the above interest rate swaps was an asset of £
The Group also ordinarily seeks to hedge the majority of the foreign exchange risk on revenue arising as a result of participation in UEFA club competitions, either by using contracted future foreign exchange expenses (including player transfer fee commitments) or by placing forward foreign exchange contracts, at the point at which it becomes reasonably certain that it will receive the revenue. The Group also seeks to hedge the foreign exchange risk on other contracted future foreign exchange expenses using available foreign exchange cash balances and forward foreign exchange contracts.
F-53
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
30 Financial risk management (continued)
30.2 Hedging activities (continued)
Details of movements on the hedging reserve are as follows:
| Future US |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
dollar | Interest | Total, | Total, | |||||||||
revenues | rate swap | Other | before tax | Tax | after tax | |||||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Balance at 1 July 2020 |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Exchange differences on hedged foreign exchange risks |
| |
| — |
| ( |
| |
| — |
| |
Reclassified to profit or loss |
| |
| — |
| |
| |
| — |
| |
Change in fair value |
| — |
| |
| — |
| |
| — |
| |
Tax relating to above | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||
Movement recognized in other comprehensive income |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| |
Balance at 30 June 2021 |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Exchange differences on hedged foreign exchange risks |
| ( |
| — |
| |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Reclassified to profit or loss |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Change in fair value |
| — |
| |
| — |
| |
| — |
| |
Tax relating to above | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||
Movement recognized in other comprehensive income |
| ( |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
Reclassified | — | — | | | — | | ||||||
Balance at 30 June 2022 |
| ( |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
Exchange differences on hedged foreign exchange risks | | — | | | — | | ||||||
Reclassified to profit or loss | | — | ( | | — | | ||||||
Change in fair value | — | | — | | — | | ||||||
Tax relating to above | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||
Movement recognized in other comprehensive income | | | | | ( | | ||||||
Balance at 30 June 2023 | | | | | ( | |
Based on exchange rates existing as of 30 June 2023, a
Summary of hedging reserve
The Group’s hedging reserve comprises of two separate hedging reserves, the cash flow hedge reserve and the cost of hedging reserve. Details of balances in each reserve (net of tax) are shown below.
| At 30 June 2023 |
| At 30 June 2022 | |
£’000 | £’000 | |||
Cash flow hedge reserve |
| |
| |
Cost of hedging reserve |
| |
| — |
Total hedging reserve |
| |
| |
F-54
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
30 Financial risk management (continued)
30.3 Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as going concerns while maximising the return to shareholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. Capital is calculated as “equity” as shown in the balance sheet plus net debt. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings (including current and non-current borrowings as shown in the balance sheet) less cash and cash equivalents and is used by management in monitoring the net indebtedness of the Group. A reconciliation of net debt is shown in Note 27.2.
As of 30 June 2023, the Group had total borrowings of £
31 | Contingent liabilities and contingent assets |
31.1 Contingent liabilities
The Group had contingent liabilities at 30 June 2023 in respect of:
(i) | Transfer fees |
Under the terms of certain contracts with other football clubs and agents in respect of player transfers, additional amounts, in excess of the amounts included in the cost of registrations, would be payable by the Group if certain substantive performance conditions are met. These excess amounts are only recognized within the cost of registrations when the Group considers that it is probable that the condition related to the payment will be achieved. The maximum additional amounts that could be payable is £
| First team |
|
| |||
squad | Other | Total | ||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Type of condition: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
MUFC appearances/team success/new contract |
| |
| |
| |
International appearances |
| |
| |
| |
Awards | | — | | |||
| |
| |
| |
As of 30 June 2022, the potential amount payable by type of condition and category of player was:
| First team |
|
| |||
squad | Other | Total | ||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Type of condition: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
MUFC appearances/team success/new contract |
| |
| |
| |
International appearances |
| |
| |
| |
Awards | | — | | |||
| |
| |
| |
F-55
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
31 | Contingent liabilities and contingent assets (continued) |
31.1 Contingent liabilities (continued)
(ii) | Tax matters |
We are currently in active discussions with UK tax authorities over a number of tax areas in relation to arrangements with players and players’ representatives. It is possible that in the future, as a result of discussions between the Group and UK tax authorities, as well as discussions UK tax authorities are holding with other stakeholders within the football industry, interpretations of applicable rules will be challenged, which could result in liabilities in relation to these matters. The information usually required by IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets’, is not disclosed on the grounds that it is not practicable to be disclosed.
(iii) | Legal matters |
While we are involved from time to time in various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business, there are no pending claims or legal proceedings to which the Group is a party which we expect to have a material effect on the Group’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
31.2 | Contingent assets |
(i)Transfer fees
Under the terms of certain contracts with other football clubs in respect of player transfers, additional amounts would be payable to the Group if certain specific performance conditions are met. In accordance with the recognition criteria for contingent assets, such amounts are only disclosed by the Group when probable and recognized when virtually certain. As of 30 June 2023, the amount of such receipt considered to be probable was £
32 | Commitments |
32.1 Capital commitments
As of 30 June 2023, the Group had contracted capital expenditure relating to property, plant and equipment amounting to £
32.2 | Non-cancellable operating leases |
(i) | The group as lessor |
The Group leases out its investment properties. The minimum rentals in relation to non-cancellable operating leases are receivable as follows:
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
£’000 | £’000 | |||
Within 1 year |
| |
| |
Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years |
| |
| |
Later than 5 years |
| |
| |
| |
| |
F-56
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
33 | Events occurring after the reporting period |
33.1 Registrations
The playing registrations of certain footballers have been disposed of on a permanent or temporary basis, subsequent to 30 June 2023, for total proceeds, net of associated costs, of £
Subsequent to 30 June 2023, the registrations of certain players were acquired or extended for a total consideration, including associated costs, of £
33.2Adidas contract extension
On 21 July 2023, the Group signed a
33.3Revolving facilities
On 3 July 2023, a drawdown on the Group’s revolving facilities of £
On 3 August 2023, a further drawdown on the Group’s revolving facilities was made. This comprised of a £
On 10 October 2023, a further drawdown on the Group’s revolving facilities was made. This comprised of a £
33.4Qualcomm front of shirt partnership agreement
On 12 September 2023, the Group signed an expanded agreement with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. that will see the Snapdragon® brand displayed on the front of the playing shirts of both our Men’s and Women’s teams, commencing from the start of the 2024/25 season. Amounts realised in relation to the signing of this agreement, which include charges relating to the changes to the existing TeamViewer shirt sponsorship, will be recognized in the first quarter of the year ended 30 June 2024.
34 | Related party transactions |
Trusts and other entities controlled by
F-57
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
35 | Subsidiaries |
The Group’s subsidiaries at 30 June 2023 are set out below. The proportion of ownership interest held equals the voting rights held by the Group.
% of ownership | ||||
Name of entity |
| Principal activity |
| interest |
Red Football Finance Limited* |
| Dormant company | ||
Red Football Holdings Limited* |
| Holding company | ||
Red Football Shareholder Limited |
| Holding company | ||
Red Football Joint Venture Limited |
| Holding company | ||
Red Football Limited |
| Holding company | ||
Red Football Junior Limited |
| Holding company | ||
Manchester United Limited |
| Holding company | ||
Alderley Urban Investments Limited |
| Property investment | ||
Manchester United Football Club Limited |
| Professional football club | ||
Manchester United Women’s Football Club Limited | Professional football club | |||
Manchester United Interactive Limited |
| Dormant company | ||
MU 099 Limited |
| Dormant company | ||
MU Commercial Holdings Limited |
| Non-trading company | ||
MU Commercial Holdings Junior Limited |
| Non-trading company | ||
MU Finance Limited |
| Non-trading company | ||
MU RAML Limited |
| Retail and licensing company | ||
MUTV Limited |
| Media company | ||
RAML USA LLC |
| Dormant company |
* | Direct investment of Manchester United plc, others are held by subsidiary undertakings. |
All of the above are incorporated and operate in England and Wales, with the exception of Red Football Finance Limited which is incorporated and operates in the Cayman Islands and RAML USA LLC which is incorporated in the state of Delaware in the United States. The registered office or principal executive office of all the above, with the exception of RAML USA LLC, is Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA, United Kingdom. The registered office of RAML USA LLC is Corporation Trust Centre, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801, USA.
F-58
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
36 | Additional information - Financial Statement Schedule I |
Schedule I has been provided pursuant to the requirements of Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation S-X Rule 12-04(a), which require condensed financial information as to financial position, cash flows and results of operations of a parent company as of the same dates and for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements have been presented, as the restricted net assets of Manchester United plc’s consolidated subsidiaries as of 30 June 2023 exceeded the 25% threshold.
As of 30 June 2023, the Group had total borrowings of £
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards have been condensed or omitted. The footnote disclosures contain supplemental information only and, as such, these statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The condensed financial information has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in the consolidated financial statements, except that investments in subsidiaries are included at cost less any provision for impairment in value.
As of 30 June 2023, 2022 and 2021 there were no material contingencies, significant provisions of long-term obligations, mandatory dividend or redemption requirements of redeemable stocks or guarantees of the Company, except for those which have been separately disclosed in the consolidated financial statements, if any.
During the year ended 30 June 2023, cash dividends equivalent to $
Condensed statement of profit or loss of the Company
Year ended 30 June | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Operating expenses |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Income from shares in group undertakings |
| — |
| |
| |
Finance income | | | — | |||
(Loss)/profit before income tax |
| ( |
| |
| |
Income tax expense |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
(Loss)/profit for the year |
| ( |
| |
| |
There were no items of other comprehensive loss or income in the years ended 30 June 2023, 2022 or 2021 and therefore no statement of comprehensive income/(loss) has been presented.
F-59
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
36Additional information - Financial Statement Schedule I (continued)
Condensed balance sheet of the Company
As of 30 June | ||||
2023 | 2022 | |||
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
Investment in subsidiaries |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Current assets |
|
| ||
Other receivables |
| |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Total assets |
| |
| |
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
| |
| |
Share premium |
| |
| |
Treasury shares | ( | ( | ||
Retained earnings |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Current liabilities |
|
| ||
Other payables |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
Total equity and liabilities |
| |
| |
Condensed statement of changes in equity of the Company
| Share |
| Share |
| Treasury | Retained |
| |||
capital | premium | shares | earnings | Total equity | ||||||
£’000 | £’000 | £’000 | £’000 | £’000 | ||||||
Balance at 1 July 2020 |
| |
| |
| ( | |
| | |
Profit for the year |
| — |
| — |
| — | |
| | |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
| — |
| — |
| — | |
| | |
Equity-settled share based payments |
| — |
| — |
| — | |
| | |
Dividends paid | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||
Balance at 30 June 2021 |
| |
| |
| ( | |
| | |
Profit for the year |
| — |
| — |
| — | |
| | |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
| — |
| — |
| — | |
| | |
Equity-settled share based payments | — | — | — | | | |||||
Dividends paid |
| — |
| — |
| — | ( |
| ( | |
Balance at 30 June 2022 |
| |
| |
| ( | |
| | |
Loss for the year |
| — |
| — |
| — | ( |
| ( | |
Total comprehensive loss for the year |
| — |
| — |
| — | ( |
| ( | |
Equity-settled share based payments | — | — | — | | | |||||
Balance at 30 June 2023 |
| |
| |
| ( | |
| |
F-60
Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)
36Additional information - Financial Statement Schedule I (continued)
Condensed statement of cash flows of the Company
Year ended 30 June | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
| £’000 |
| £’000 |
| £’000 | |
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss)/profit before income tax |
| ( |
| |
| |
Adjustments for: |
|
|
| |||
Non-cash employee benefit expense - equity-settled share-based payments |
| |
| |
| |
Foreign exchange losses/(gains) on operating activities |
| |
| ( |
| |
Changes in working capital: |
|
|
| |||
Other receivables |
| |
| |
| — |
Other payables |
| |
| |
| |
Tax paid | — | ( | ( | |||
Net cash inflow from operating activities |
| |
| |
| |
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
| |||
Dividends paid |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
Net cash outflow from financing activities |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
| |
| |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
| |
| |
| |
The following reconciliations are provided as additional information to satisfy the Schedule I SEC requirements for parent-only financial information.
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
£’000 | £’000 | £’000 | ||||
IFRS (loss)/profit reconciliation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parent only — IFRS (loss)/profit for the year |
| ( |
| |
| |
Additional loss if subsidiaries had been accounted for on the equity method of accounting as opposed to cost |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Consolidated IFRS loss for the year |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
|
| ||
IFRS equity reconciliation: |
|
|
| |||
Parent only — IFRS equity |
| |
| |
| |
Additional loss if subsidiaries had been accounted for on the equity method of accounting as opposed to cost |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Consolidated — IFRS equity |
| |
| |
| |
F-61
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Manchester United plc | ||
(Registrant) | ||
Date: 27 October 2023 | By: | /s/ Richard Arnold |
Name: | Richard Arnold | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
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