City’s success over the past decade has brought trophies, derby victories and regular Champions League football. It has also been hugely lucrative.
New analysis by the Telegraph has calculated that City generated £343m more than Manchester United in broadcast revenue and prize money from European football between 2016 and 2025. James Ducker puts that figure into fairly startling modern-day context: it is roughly the equivalent of three Elliot Andersons.
City’s Champions League consistency pays
City’s record in Europe’s leading competition over that period contrasts sharply with United’s, who have moved between the Champions League and Europa League and also spent seasons outside Europe.
The value of consistently qualifying – and progressing – can be seen in City’s own accounts. Broadcasting revenue stood at £278.6m in 2024/25, down £16.1m on the previous season. City said the biggest factor behind the fall was their earlier Champions League exit, having reached the quarter-finals a year earlier.
Even that season ended with another qualification. City’s third-place Premier League finish secured Champions League football for the 15th successive campaign. United’s own financial filings acknowledge the cost of missing out on European competition, with broadcasting income and matchday revenue both affected when there are fewer European fixtures.
The Telegraph’s £343m calculation covers a decade in which City became Champions League regulars and eventually winners, beating Inter Milan in Istanbul in 2023. Sunday brings the two clubs together again at Old Trafford. Whatever happens in the derby, City’s sustained presence among Europe’s elite has already been worth a considerable amount off the pitch.
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