Manchester United Tops The Twelfth Man Index with Strong Local Support

Manchester United has long claimed the title of the world's biggest football club, and new data suggests their connection to Trafford remains incredibly strong alongside their global commercial presence. According to the latest Midnite Built Different Index covering all 92 Premier League and EFL clubs for the 2025-26 season, the Red Devils rank highest in the Twelfth Man category. This metric evaluates how well a club fills its stadium and the average attendance compared to the local authority's population.

Old Trafford’s Ever-Full Stands

Despite not winning the league in 13 years, Manchester United has maintained a fiercely loyal fanbase. After Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, the club faced challenges but recently finished third, securing a spot in the Champions League once again. Optimism is rising under Michael Carrick’s leadership.

The Twelfth Man score, weighted at 362, places them at the very top among all English football teams. Old Trafford consistently reaches near full capacity, with an impressive 99.35% seat utilization. Their average match attendance equals 31.12% of Trafford’s entire population—a remarkable statistic showing deep local support. Plans are even underway to expand their home ground into a 100,000-seat stadium, sometimes called the "Wembley of the North," which they are unlikely to struggle filling.

Arsenal Shines as London’s Top Club

At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal claimed second place on the Twelfth Man Index. Their passionate fanbase witnessed the club transform from perennial near-misses to champions under Mikel Arteta’s management last season. Given the crowded football scene in London, Arsenal finishing above other local rivals is notable.

Nottingham Forest’s Resilient Support

Nottingham Forest climbed 72 places in the Twelfth Man rankings during a tough 2025-26 campaign where they narrowly avoided relegation. Despite managerial upheavals—including four different managers—the fans stayed committed. The City Ground holds 30,445 spectators, with attendance averaging 24.79% of Rushcliffe district’s population. This loyal backing helped Forest survive a tense final stretch, losing only one of their last ten games, although Vitor Pereira was replaced by Oliver Glasner after the season.

West Ham Fans Stay Strong Amid Relegation

West Ham United was relegated to the Championship, but their supporters remained steadfast. The Hammers climbed 36 places to fifth in the Twelfth Man Index, ranking just behind Arsenal and Chelsea in London. Tottenham Hotspur followed closely in sixth place, managing to nearly fill their 62,850-capacity stadium despite recent struggles, which sparked a significant summer spending spree exceeding £200 million.

Challenges for Bournemouth and Barnet

Bournemouth fell 34 places to 41st, hindered by the small size of their Vitality Stadium, which holds just over 11,000 fans. Their location in a popular seaside town couldn't compensate for limited capacity.

Meanwhile, League Two side Barnet finished last in the Twelfth Man rankings. Situated in north London near Arsenal and Tottenham, the Hive Stadium attracts only about 1% of Harrow’s population, resulting in low attendance figures despite an otherwise successful season.

Key Twelfth Man Rankings Highlights

• Manchester United: Weighted score 362; 99.35% stadium utilization; attendance equals 31.12% of Trafford population.
• Arsenal: Second place; leading London club in local support.
• Nottingham Forest: Climbed 72 places; attendance 24.79% of Rushcliffe population.
• West Ham United: Fifth place; strong loyalty despite relegation.
• Tottenham Hotspur: Sixth place; nearly full stadium despite poor league finishes.
• Bournemouth: Dropped 34 places; smallest Premier League stadium limits attendance.
• Barnet: Last place; 1% attendance of local population.

The full Midnite Built Different Index offers deeper insight into club support across England's football pyramid.