THE impact of the pandemic on the income of sports grounds has cost one of Trafford's stadiums millions.

Old Trafford, home to Manchester United, has seen a 6.4 per cent loss in its total revenue in the nine months leading up to March 2021 compared to the previous year, seeing an overall reduction in income of £27.4 million.

The club saw a 17.9 per cent reduction in its commercial revenue income streams over the same period, equalling £39.2 million.

The biggest income reduction was unsurprisingly from its matchday income, which was all but wiped out during successive lockdowns.

Before the UK’s first lockdown began in March 2020, Manchester United’s matchday revenue stood at £84.3 million accumulated over the previous nine months.

In March 2021, this income had hugely reduced and stood at just £4.8 million for the same period a year later - a 94.3 per cent decline.

But while matchday money dwindled, the club saw an increase in its broadcasting revenue as fans stayed away from the ground.

Overall Manchester United’s broadcasting revenue went up by 73.9 per cent between March 2020 and March 2021 - a total increase of £91.3 million and making up for the lost matchday income.

The club’s debt levels also increased year on year.

In March 2020, the Red Devils had £429.1 million worth of net debt.

By March 2021, that had increased by 3.4 per cent to £443.5 million.

Despite the financial pressures of the pandemic, Manchester United’s net profit actually went up between March 2020 and March 2021.

Taking into consideration the nine months before March 2020, the club made a net profit of £13.3 million.

A year later, taking into consideration the nine months before March 2021, the club’s net profit had increased and stood at £15.4 million.