Manchester United Tops 'The Twelfth Man' Index for Local Fan Loyalty in Premier League

Manchester United has long claimed the title of the world’s biggest club. Recent data confirms that their connection to Trafford remains as strong as their international commercial presence. The latest Midnite Built Different Index, covering all 92 clubs across the Premier League and English Football League in the 2025-26 season, ranks the Red Devils highest in the "Twelfth Man" category. This metric measures how well clubs fill their stadiums and the average attendance as a percentage of the local authority's population.

A Deep-Rooted Fanbase Despite Challenges

Although it has been 13 years since Manchester United last won the league, and the club has faced difficulties after Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, optimism is growing under Michael Carrick. The team finished third last season, securing Champions League football. Their loyal supporters have stayed devoted through thick and thin.

The Twelfth Man Index highlights this loyalty. United scored a weighted 362 points, topping all 91 other English clubs. Old Trafford’s near-full capacity attendance, at 99.35%, and an average attendance equaling 31.12% of Trafford’s population show the strength of their local support. Plans to expand to a 100,000-seat stadium, dubbed the "Wembley of the North," look promising given this demand.

Arsenal Dominate London’s Local Support

At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal clinched second place on the Twelfth Man Index. The club’s passionate fans witnessed a dramatic transformation from past disappointments to Premier League champions under Mikel Arteta. Considering London’s crowded football scene, Arsenal’s top spot among the capital’s teams is impressive.

Nottingham Forest’s Remarkable Rise in Support

Nottingham Forest surged up 72 places despite a difficult 2025-26 campaign, barely escaping relegation. The City Ground’s 30,445 seats saw 24.79% of the Rushcliffe district’s population attending games, even as four managers came and went. Owner Evangelos Marinakis finally found success with Vitor Pereira before Oliver Glasner took over.

West Ham Fans Stay Loyal Amid Relegation

West Ham United suffered relegation but maintained strong fan engagement. They climbed 36 spots to fifth place on the index, just ahead of Tottenham in sixth. Spurs regularly filled their 62,850-capacity stadium despite poor league finishes, prompting a major summer investment.

Bournemouth and Barnet Face Attendance Struggles

Bournemouth slipped 34 places to 41st, hurt by having the Premier League’s smallest stadium (Vitality Stadium) in a popular seaside town. Meanwhile, Barnet finished last in the Twelfth Man table. Their Hive Stadium draws only 1% of Harrow’s population, overshadowed by London giants Arsenal and Tottenham, and struggles with low attendance.

Summary of Key Club Rankings in The Twelfth Man Index 2025-26

• Manchester United: 1st place, 362 weighted score, 99.35% stadium utilization, 31.12% of Trafford population attending
• Arsenal: 2nd place, leading London clubs
• Nottingham Forest: Climbed 72 places, 24.79% of Rushcliffe population attendance
• West Ham: 5th place, climbed 36 places despite relegation
• Tottenham Hotspur: 6th place, strong attendance despite poor league form
• Bournemouth: 41st place, smallest Premier League stadium capacity
• Barnet: Last place, 1% of local population attendance in north London

The full Midnite Built Different Index reveals insights into fan loyalty across English football’s top leagues. For clubs like Manchester United, this local passion matches their global stature, while others face challenges filling seats amid fierce competition.