Manchester United has initiated the sale of pieces of its historic Old Trafford pitch, with each 7x7cm section priced at £125. The turf was preserved inside glass cubes and presented in a black case. According to reports, the first batch of the turf has already sold out. This initiative comes as the club looks to generate additional revenue streams.
The sale of the Old Trafford turf is part of Manchester United's efforts to offset its significant debt, which remains above £1bn. Despite recording a pre-tax loss of £43m for the 2025-26 financial year, the club reported record revenue of £677.6m and an operating profit of £22.6m. The revenue growth is a positive sign for the club, but it still faces significant financial challenges.
Manchester United has been exploring options for a new stadium, with £63.5m spent on acquiring land for the proposed project. The new stadium is expected to cost more than £2bn. The club's current home, Old Trafford, has undergone significant renovations in recent years, but the sale of the turf suggests that United is planning for the long-term.
The Old Trafford pitch was dug up this summer for the first time in 14 years and stripped back to its foundation. Sections of the turf were preserved as memorabilia for supporters, with the club describing the glass cubes as a “priceless memento” of iconic games played at Old Trafford. This move allows supporters to own a small piece of the ground that has hosted generations of Manchester United players.
The sale of the turf offers supporters the chance to keep matchday memories alive. The glass cubes serve as a unique reminder of the club's history and its most memorable matches. Manchester United has a large and dedicated fan base, and the sale of the turf is likely to be well-received by supporters.
Manchester United's financial performance for the 2025-26 financial year was mixed. While the club reported a significant revenue increase, it still posted a pre-tax loss. The club's debt remains a concern, but the revenue growth and operating profit suggest that United is making progress. The sale of the Old Trafford turf is a creative way for the club to generate additional revenue.
The proposed new stadium for Manchester United is expected to be a significant investment, with a projected cost of more than £2bn. The club has already spent £63.5m on acquiring land for the project. The new stadium will likely have a significant impact on the club's finances and its ability to compete with other top-tier teams.
Key points
- Manchester United sells pieces of Old Trafford pitch as memorabilia for £125 each.
- The club's debt remains above £1bn despite record revenue of £677.6m.
- Manchester United has spent £63.5m on acquiring land for a new stadium.
