Manchester United could be forced to rethink ambitious infrastructure and growth plans following President Donald Trump’s latest tariff announcements, a sports finance expert has warned.
The sweeping trade policies, unveiled on Wednesday, are set to impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports into the United States, with steeper penalties for nations like China and parts of the European Union, effective April 5.
These measures, aimed at bolstering the US economy, could have a ripple effect on English football clubs with American ties, including those owned or influenced by US investors.
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For Manchester United, the tariffs threaten to derail long-discussed plans for a new stadium or a major redevelopment of Old Trafford. The club, part-owned by the Glazer family and with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group holding a significant stake, has been exploring options to modernize its iconic but aging home ground.
Professor Rob Wilson, a sports finance expert, told Express Sport: “United’s ownership will be concerned. Building a new stadium or upgrading Old Trafford relies heavily on global supply chains—steel, construction materials, and tech all face increased costs under these tariffs. Projects like this could be delayed or scaled back entirely.”
The financial hit could run into millions, with imported materials becoming pricier and US-based sponsors potentially tightening budgets. Ratcliffe, who has championed a vision of a “Wembley of the North,” may now face a tougher road to secure funding, especially as United’s on-pitch struggles under Ruben Amorim add pressure to the balance sheet.
Meanwhile, Wrexham AFC—owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney—could see their meteoric rise stalled. The Welsh club, currently second in League One, has leveraged its US fanbase and media exposure from the Welcome to Wrexham series to fuel financial growth.
However, Wilson cautioned: “Wrexham’s success hinges on US commercial revenue—sponsorships, merchandise, and media deals. Trump’s tariffs could raise costs for these cross-border ventures, hitting their bottom line just as they aim for the Championship.”
Wrexham’s plans to expand the Racecourse Ground, including a new 5,000-seat stand, might also face delays if construction costs spike.
The club’s owners have poured over £10 million into the project since 2020, but their reliance on American investment and fan engagement could now be tested. “They need to diversify beyond the US market,” Wilson added, “or risk seeing their momentum falter.”
Other Premier League clubs with US ownership, such as Liverpool (FSG) and Chelsea (Todd Boehly’s consortium), are also tipped to feel the pinch.
However, Wilson believes American investors won’t abandon English football entirely: “They’ll recalibrate—renegotiate deals, shift focus to local revenue. But the days of unchecked spending might slow down.”
Trump’s tariffs, branded a “trade war” by critics, have already sparked debate in the UK, with calls for retaliatory measures growing. For now, though, Manchester United and Wrexham face an uncertain future as the economic fallout looms. Fans of both clubs will hope their American connections can weather the storm.
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