Pandemic inflicts off-pitch losses on soccer giants Man Utd, Juventus

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 32 Second Leg - Manchester United v Real Sociedad - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - February 25, 2021 General view of a banner in the stands before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble

(Reuters) -England's Manchester United and Italy's Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo's current and former teams, both suffered hefty financial losses for 2020-21 as the coronavirus crisis drained European soccer stadiums of fans.

While Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward expressed confidence in United's recovery as Old Trafford hosts capacity crowds for the first time in almost 18 months, Juventus said it would also end its 2021-22 financial year, which will still be heavily affected by the pandemic, with a "significant loss".