(Credit: Imago)

Ben Palmer

Tue 12 August 2025 12:26, UK

Man United are having to be mindful of potential cash-flow issues that could impede their ability to spend further if they are not careful.

Arne Slot will reveal all about Liverpool's transfer plans with Alexander Isak response	'Newcastle have shot themselves in the foot with Alexander Isak' amid Amanda Staveley reveal	“Liverpool are looking…”: Journalist sheds light on Reds’ pursuit of 24-year-old Premier League ace

That is according to football finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that Man United’s deal to sign Matheus Cunha pointed towards an uncomfortable financial predicament.

The Red Devils, and their co-owner Jim Ratcliffe in particular, made a lot of noise about their poor financial position in March 2025.

Jim Ratcliffe has made a series of controversial cost-cutting measures.

(Credit: Getty Images)

Since taking over, the billionaire businessman has overseen a number of cost-cutting measures, including laying off hundreds of Man United staff members.

But despite their supposed financial woes, the 20-time champions of England have spent lavishly this summer.

This article contains exclusive comment from Dan Plumley, a football finance expert and senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.

Plumley explained to Football Insider in June that Man United’s finances are nuanced.

Despite the club making losses last season, their position with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) is strong.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Manchester United plc made pre-tax losses of £130.7m in the 23/24 season, but the company that files the club’s accounts to the Premier League and UEFA, Red Football ltd, lost just £36.2m, meaning they were in no danger of falling foul of PSR [The Athletic].

Bryan Mbeumo arrived at Man United in a big-money move from Brentford.

(Credit Imago)

The Athletic reported at the beginning of the summer that United could make losses of around £140m without failing the financial regulations set by the Premier League, and Plumley told Football Insider that based on those figures, Ruben Amorim‘s side had leeway in that sense.

However, the club would still need to be careful with their cash-flow, and their desire to pay Cunha’s transfer fee over a longer period pointed to that being something United are mindful of.

But in another twist, The Athletic also reported that the Red Devils have a revolving credit facility, essentially an overdraft, that they have been tapping into, and that gave them some breathing room.

Plumley explained: “Putting a figure on it is difficult, because we’re always looking in the sense of where the PSR headroom is ultimately.

“They didn’t lose that, then you’ve got the revenue line, you’ve also got a revolving credit facility that they can tap into.

“You’ve got the thing about the Red Football Group Company rather than Manchester United Plc.

So those are the things to be mindful of.”

With a desire to continue improving the squad available to Amorim, the Red Devils look set to continue spending this summer.

Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider that Man United are eyeing an ambitious double deal for Carlos Baleba and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Carlos Baleba is a target for Man United.
For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.