https://ir.manutd.com/~/media/Files/M/Manutd-IR/documents/manu-20f-2022-09-24.pdf
Our digital media strategy may not generate the revenue we anticipate.
We maintain contact with, and provide entertainment to, our global follower base through a number of digital and other media channels, including the internet, mobile services and applications, and social media. While we have attracted a significant number of followers to our digital media assets, including our
website and mobile application, the associated future revenue and income potential is uncertain. You should consider our business and prospects in light of the challenges, risks and difficulties we may encounter in
this new and rapidly evolving market, including:
our ability to retain our current global follower base, build our follower base and increase engagement with our followers through our digital media assets, particularly those on third-party digital media platforms;
our ability to enhance the content offered through our digital media assets and increase our subscriber base;
our ability to effectively generate revenue from interaction with our followers through our digital media assets;
our ability to attract new sponsors and advertisers, retain existing sponsors and advertisers and demonstrate that our digital media assets will deliver value to them;
our ability to develop our digital media assets in a cost-effective manner and operate our digital media services profitably and securely;
our ability to identify and capitalize on new digital media business opportunities; and
our ability to compete with other sports and other media for users’ time.
In addition, as we expand our digital and other media channels, including mobile services, applications, and social media, revenue from our other business sectors may decrease, including our Broadcasting revenue. As a consequence of our utilization of third-party media platforms, particularly social media, we are subject to third-party algorithms which we do not have control over. A change to these algorithms or the business strategy and operating models of these platforms may have a knock-on impact on our business. Moreover, the increase in subscriber base in some of these digital and other media channels may limit the growth of the subscriber base and popularity of other channels. Further, governmental or other regulatory actions against social media platforms could result in a loss of some or all of our social media followers on such platform. Failure to successfully address these risks and difficulties could affect our overall business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, liquidity and prospects.
We have one of the highest capacity utilizations among English clubs, with an average attendance for our home Premier League matches played in front of a crowd of over 99% for each season since the 1997/98 season. The substantial majority of our tickets are sold to both general admission and executive season ticket holders, the majority of whom pay for all their tickets in advance of the first game of the season.
Other Matchday revenue includes Matchday catering (including the sale of hospitality packages, food and drink), event parking, program sales as well as membership and travel, Manchester United Museum revenue and a share of the ticket revenue from away matches in domestic cup competitions. Matchday revenue also includes revenue from other events hosted at Old Trafford, including other sporting events (including the annual Rugby Super League Grand Final), music concerts and entertainment events.
We operate a membership program for our supporters. Individuals who become official members have the opportunity to apply for tickets to all home matches. Adult Official Members pay £20 per season to join our Lite Membership, £35 to join the Full Membership or £60 to join the Premium membership scheme.
At the end of the 2021/22 season we had over 276,000 members, an increase of 95.7% year on year, although the prior year was affected by COVID-19 as all but one game were played behind closed doors.The Manchester United Museum is located within Old Trafford. It chronicles Manchester United’s 144-year history and houses the club’s most precious artifacts and trophies.