Manchester United Tops Twelfth Man Index with Strongest Local Support in Premier League
Manchester United has long claimed to be the biggest football club worldwide, and fresh data confirms their local roots in Trafford are as powerful as their international brand. The Midnite Built Different Index for the 2025-26 season, covering all 92 Premier League and EFL clubs, ranks Manchester United highest in the Twelfth Man category. This metric gauges how well a club fills its stadium relative to the population of its local authority.
The Heart of Trafford Beats Strong
Even though Manchester United has not won the league title in 13 years, their fanbase remains fiercely loyal. Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, the club has experienced ups and downs, but finishing third last season and securing Champions League football under Michael Carrick has restored hope. Despite recent challenges on the pitch, the Red Devils’ fans have stayed steadfast.
The Twelfth Man Index measures stadium capacity usage and attendance compared to local population size. Old Trafford boasts near full capacity with a remarkable 99.35% utilization rate. Astonishingly, average attendance represents 31.12% of Trafford’s population. Plans to build a new stadium with a 100,000 capacity, dubbed the Wembley of the North, seem well justified by such demand.
Arsenal Shines Among London Clubs
At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal narrowly missed out on first place, coming second in the Twelfth Man rankings. Their dedicated supporters witnessed Mikel Arteta's leadership transform the team from underachievers to champions. Given London’s crowded football scene, Arsenal topping the city’s fan loyalty is impressive.
Nottingham Forest Climbs Despite Struggles
Nottingham Forest showed remarkable fan commitment during a difficult 2025-26 season, climbing 72 places in the index. Despite battling relegation and cycling through four managers, attendance remained strong at the City Ground, which holds 30,445 spectators. Nearly a quarter (24.79%) of Rushcliffe district residents attended games as Forest pulled off a late-season survival surge under Vitor Pereira, although he was later replaced by Oliver Glasner.
West Ham Fans Stand Firm Amid Relegation
Despite dropping to the Championship, West Ham United supporters stayed loyal, boosting the club 36 places to fifth in the Twelfth Man table. They ranked behind only Arsenal and Chelsea among London teams, showing resilience even in tough times under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Tottenham and Bournemouth: Contrasting Fortunes
Tottenham Hotspur filled their 62,850-seat stadium regularly despite poor league finishes, ranking sixth in fan loyalty. Their disappointing consecutive 17th-place seasons sparked a massive summer spending spree exceeding £200 million. Meanwhile, Bournemouth fell 34 spots to 41st, hampered by the Vitality Stadium’s small 11,000 capacity and the town’s size.
Struggles for Barnet in League Two
Barnet finished just outside the playoffs in League Two but ranked lowest in the Twelfth Man Index. Located in north London where Arsenal and Tottenham dominate, their Hive Stadium attracted only 1% of Harrow’s population, with very low average attendances contributing to their poor standing.
Key Twelfth Man Index Highlights
- Manchester United: 99.35% stadium utilization; attendance equals 31.12% of Trafford population; ranked 1st
- Arsenal: 2nd place, top London club in fan loyalty
- Nottingham Forest: Climbed 72 places; 24.79% of Rushcliffe attending
- West Ham United: Climbed 36 places despite relegation; 3rd among London clubs
- Tottenham Hotspur: 6th place; filled large stadium regularly despite poor results
- Bournemouth: Dropped 34 places; smallest Premier League ground
- Barnet: Last place; only 1% local population attendance
