Lawyer – Football & Commercial
Location: Old Trafford Stadium / Carrington Training Centre
At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.
We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate individuals who share our vision and drive for success.
The Purpose:
To provide legal advice and support to the football and commercial business operations of Manchester United, as a member of the Football & Commercial Legal team.
The successful applicant will be required to work on projects and transactions across the football and commercial business areas, whilst also supporting more junior members of the team.
The Role:
The role will involve:
- Supporting Manchester United’s commercial business in concluding a variety of agreements for the exploitation of the Manchester United brand. This will include:
- Sponsorship and other commercial partnership agreements;
- Media agreements, including broadcasting and content distribution agreements;
- Merchandise and product licensing agreements; and
- Agreements relating to overseas tours and friendly matches.
- Assisting the football operations of Manchester United (across men’s and women’s teams and the academy), including concluding new and extended professional playing contracts; securing and exploiting image rights of players and coaching staff; documenting the transfer of registrations of professional playing staff; and assisting the Academy department with the acquisition of new young players.
- Assisting the development of in-house expertise / knowledge, including by preparing and delivering training to commercial colleagues.
The Person:
You will be a UK-qualified solicitor with excellent academic credentials and ideally 4–8 years’ PQE, trained and qualified at a leading law firm or in a reputable in-house team.
Essential Expertise: - Drafting and negotiating a range of commercial contracts.
- Sports marketing and/or media rights.
- Non-contentious intellectual property rights.
Desirable Experience: - An understanding of the commercial business of professional football and sport.
- A sound knowledge of the regulatory environment of football.
- Experience of media and content distribution agreements.
Key Requirements:
The successful candidate must be able to: - Work both independently and as part of a team, providing technically sound and commercially focused legal advice.
- Be committed, service-oriented, and flexible, with the capability to manage multiple workstreams under tight deadlines.
- Communicate effectively, explaining legal principles in clear, straightforward terms.
- Balance accurate legal advice with practical, commercially focused solutions, maintaining composure under pressure and tight deadlines, and when working on matters which may have a significant media profile and time pressures.
- Be collaborative, enthusiastic, and open to professional development.
- Be motivated to work for a globally renowned brand and sporting team.
- The ability to build relationships, influence and inspire trust is seen as a key skill for this role.
What We Offer:
At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being: - Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace.
- Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners.
- Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities.
- Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days.
- Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs.
- A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth.
Our Commitment to You:
At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Ready to Join Us?
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Friday 25th July.
Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.
If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.