what would happen if the club was sacked| All Football

If the Red Devils were eventually relegated, the financial losses would be huge.

Fifty years ago, Tommy Docherty managed to master Manchester United on his return to English football. The Red Devils suffered a year in the wilderness before climbing back into the first division. The 1974-75 season was the last time the Old Trafford team played in the second tier—a descent almost unimaginable given the club’s dominance later in the 1990s and 2000s. However, what once seemed impossible is now a real threat in 2025.

United have spent too much time without a figure like Alex Fergusontoo many years looking for a successor able to restore their glory. Someone who can reset them as perennial favorites in every competition.

Relegation is a real possibility for Manchester United

After the final game of 2024, Ruben Amorim’s side were just seven points above the relegation zonea precarious position which underlines increasing challenges at Old Trafford.

Potential expulsion would have disastrous consequences—not only on the field but also financially. The reconstruction of the stadium, the squad, and the the club itself would face a sudden and devastating halt.

Manchester United revenues from commercial and broadcasting rights would plummetwith ripple effects that could threaten the Premier League’s sustainability programme.

TV rights would be lost

Last season, Manchester United earned over €265 million from broadcastingthe majority were linked to Premier League rights, with around 27% arising from their participation in the Champions League.

However, the current campaign has has already seen a significant reduction in revenue after Manchester United failed to qualify for the main European competition. Even if they avoid relegation, a poor league finish would cost the club millions – each position lower in the table equates to around €4 million less in income.

Sponsorship would be feared and even cancelled

As one of the most iconic clubs in the world, Manchester United usually attracts a lot of interest from sponsors. Over the past two seasons, they have generated more than €360 million in sponsorship revenue. However, relegation to the Championship could seriously damage this stream.

Adidas, the club’s kit sponsor until 2035, has a clause that allows it to reduce payments by 50% if Manchester United lose their Premier League status. Adidas could even end the deal altogether by paying €108 million and giving a year’s notice.

Furthermore complications arise with other sponsors. Snapdragon, which paid €216 million to have its logo appear on Manchester United shirts over three seasons, has no similar clauses. However, his contract expires in 2025, leaving the club in a challenging position to negotiate a similar deal if expulsion occurs.

Financial sustainability rules (PSR)

Manchester United already have posting significant losses over the past two seasons. While they remain within the Premier League’s sustainability rules, which cap losses at €126 million, expulsion would force them to comply with the EFL’s stricter financial regulations. Under these rules, maximum permitted losses are reduced to €100 million. Breaching these limits could lead to points deductions and large fines.

Complicating these issues is the absence of exclusion clauses in player contracts. The club would probably be forced to sell several key players at reduced prices to manage their money. In that regard, Amorim has to do a huge job under a lot of pressure in the north west of England.

Original article written by Xavi Heras, translated with the help of AI and edited by Joe Brennan.