New Study: Man Utd rank rock-bottom in Europe for transfer market performance

By SABC Sport
29th October 2026

Manchester United have recorded an estimated 334 million pounds in transfer-related losses over the past five years, according to a study by the CIES Football Observatory.

The findings place United at the bottom of the European rankings, with only Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal positioned lower in the worldwide standings.

The research examined hundreds of clubs, adding to the scrutiny facing Ineos since taking charge of the club's football operations in 2024.

The report assesses transfer expenditure against income from player sales, while also factoring in changes to the market values of players who remain at their clubs. Add-ons are included in transfer fees, but loan agreements are excluded. Only teams that have spent more than 42 million pounds on transfers since 2021 were considered.

United's figures highlight the financial consequences of several expensive recruitment decisions. Antony arrived from Ajax in 2022 for approximately 85 million pounds before joining Real Betis for a reported 21.7 million pounds.

Jadon Sancho cost around 73 million pounds when he signed from Borussia Dortmund, but United failed to recover a transfer fee for the winger, who was a free agent at the time of the report.

Rasmus Hojlund's move to Napoli also came at a cost, with his departure representing a reported 34 million pounds loss after United invested approximately 72 million pounds in the Danish striker in 2023.

Meanwhile, Andre Onana (out on loan), Mason Mount, and Joshua Zirkzee remain at the club despite struggling to make a substantial impression. Their respective transfer fees were approximately 47 million pounds, 60 million pounds and 36 million pounds.