This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward expressed optimism that the English top-flight will resume next month, despite the Premier League's suspension since March 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As the Premier League teams return to training in small groups, United's chief financial officer Cliff Baty stated that the club anticipates a reduction in revenues from the Premier League for the completion of the 2019/20 season, estimated to be around £20 million ($24.5 million) for a full season of 38 games.
United's matchday revenues will be significantly impacted by the ongoing impact of the virus, with games set to be played behind closed doors for the foreseeable future.
On Tuesday, United announced that supporters would be entitled to a refund for all remaining home games this season.
Woodward emphasized that it is now inevitable that their matches will initially be played behind closed doors when the season resumes, with the hope of completing all competitions in the 2019/20 season by the end of August and starting next season in time to target completion of next season still in May 2021.
Woodward also expressed concerns about the profound challenges ahead for football as a whole, stating that it will not be 'business as usual' for some time.
