Manchester United Tops The Twelfth Man Index for Loyal Local Support in Premier League

Manchester United has long claimed the title of the world’s biggest football club. New findings suggest that their local fanbase in Trafford remains as passionate as their global commercial presence is vast. The latest Midnite Built Different Index, covering all 92 clubs in the Premier League and English Football League for the 2025-26 season, ranks Manchester United highest in the "Twelfth Man" category. This metric measures how well a club fills its stadium relative to the local authority population.

The Road Back to Glory

Though Manchester United have not won the Premier League title for 13 years, their loyal fans have never wavered. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, the club endured difficult seasons, but optimism is growing again under Michael Carrick after finishing third last season and qualifying for the Champions League. Despite on-field struggles, the club's supporters have remained fiercely dedicated, exemplified by their top score of 362 in the Twelfth Man Index, out of all 92 English clubs.

Old Trafford’s Unmatched Support

The Twelfth Man Index combines stadium capacity and attendance turnout to reflect fan engagement. Old Trafford is nearly always packed, with Manchester United filling 99.35% of its seats and drawing crowds that represent 31.12% of the entire Trafford population. Plans are underway to expand their home ground into a massive 100,000-seat stadium dubbed the "Wembley of the North," and with demand this high, filling it won’t be an issue.

Arsenal's Stronghold in London

At the Emirates Stadium, Premier League champions Arsenal closely follow Manchester United in the rankings. Their passionate fanbase has witnessed a remarkable turnaround under Mikel Arteta, transforming from perennial underachievers to title winners. Considering the fierce competition among London clubs for support, Arsenal’s position atop their city’s hierarchy is impressive.

Nottingham Forest’s Resilience Pays Off

Nottingham Forest made a remarkable leap in the Twelfth Man Index, rising 72 places despite a turbulent 2025-26 season. Even with four managerial changes and a near-relegation scare, fans stayed loyal. The City Ground, with a 30,445 capacity, attracted 24.79% of Rushcliffe’s population. Forest lost only one of their last ten matches, helping them avoid the drop before Oliver Glasner replaced Vitor Pereira as manager.

West Ham's Loyal Following Amid Relegation

Despite dropping to the Championship, West Ham United supporters maintained strong backing throughout the season. The Hammers climbed 36 places in the Twelfth Man rankings, placing fifth overall and second among London clubs behind Arsenal and Chelsea. Tottenham Hotspur also retained impressive attendance figures, filling most of their 62,850-seat stadium despite poor league finishes that triggered a £200 million summer spending spree.

Lower League Struggles and Other Observations

Bournemouth fell 34 places to 41st in the index, hindered by having the Premier League’s smallest stadium at just over 11,000 seats. Their seaside location did little to boost attendance. Meanwhile, Barnet ended last in the Twelfth Man rankings despite a strong League Two campaign, with only 1.00% of Harrow’s population attending games at the Hive Stadium. Competing with giants like Arsenal and Tottenham nearby left Barnet at a disadvantage.

Summary of Key Clubs in The Twelfth Man Index

• Manchester United: Weighted score 362; 99.35% stadium capacity used; attendance equals 31.12% of Trafford population.
• Arsenal: Runners-up with strong fan engagement amid London’s crowded football scene.
• Nottingham Forest: Rose 72 places; 24.79% Rushcliffe population attendance.
• West Ham United: Climbed 36 places; fifth overall; second in London behind Arsenal and Chelsea.
• Tottenham Hotspur: Sixth place; consistently filled 62,850-capacity stadium despite poor league finishes.
• Bournemouth: Dropped 34 places to 41st; smallest Premier League stadium.
• Barnet: Last place in the ranking; 1.00% of local population attendance.