Manchester United warned Arsenal moving in ‘right direction’ to close £116m gap

Manchester United have been warned that Arsenal are starting to close the gap in their success, away from the pitch.

The long-term success of the club and virtual dominance of the Premier League during Sir Alex Ferguson’s time as manager has seen the club maintain their status as a high-profile team and global brand. This means that United not only cash in during match days at Old Trafford and when competing for major trophies but also as part of lucrative broadcast and commercial deals.

The Money League, published by Deloitte in January 2023, showed United had earned £583.2m, placing them as the fourth richest club in world football, based on their revenue for the 2021/22 campaign, narrowly behind Manchester City, Real Madrid and Liverpool. Meanwhile, long-standing Premier League rivals Arsenal were listed down in 10th place with £367.1m.

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A further look at the numbers offered by Deloitte reveals that, despite finishing sixth in the Premier League and suffering relatively early exits in all competitions, United earned more commercial revenue (£263.7m) than Liverpool (£234.7m), who finished second and reached the final of all three major cups. A stark contrast to the Gunners, who earned £142.5m in commercial money during the 2021-22 season.

Arsenal supporters have often taken umbrage with owner Stan Kroenke since he completed a takeover in 2018 - similar to a section of Manchester United fans against the Glazers - particularly when the club were one of six English clubs to sign up to the ill-fated European Super League. However, the north London club have since appointed a new head of marketing and a head of