The most hated club in Premier League: Big Six unite as Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea battle for No.1

The landscape of English football is defined not only by trophies and glory but also by the deep-seated animosity that exists between rival fanbases. Recently, two prominent platforms, OBLG and 1sports1, conducted extensive research to quantify this sentiment. 

OBLG surveyed over 2,000 UK residents to identify the teams that stir the most negative emotions among the public. Their methodology focused on a percentage-based disapproval rating, asking respondents to identify the one club they despise above all others. Meanwhile, 1sports1 took a more historical and qualitative approach, analyzing long-standing rivalries, "hooliganism" factors, and the "League of Love and Hate" annual surveys which involve tens of thousands of participants. These studies look at factors such as perceived arrogance, financial advantages, and specific controversial incidents. 

By synthesizing these findings, Nowgoalmobi has revealed a comprehensive look at the current hierarchy of hostility, identifying the most hated club in Premier League for the 2025/26 season.

Rankings of the most hated club in Premier League

1. Manchester United 

When examining the upper echelons of the Premier League, success and hatred often go hand in hand. Manchester United currently holds the title of the most disliked club in England. According to OBLG, the "Red Devils" top the list with a 15% disapproval rating from the general public, while among active football fanbases, that number jumps to a staggering 19.9%. 

The primary reason for this hatred is the "legacy of dominance" established under Sir Alex Ferguson. Rivals who suffered through United’s era of 13 Premier League titles have developed a lasting resentment. Furthermore, United is often criticized for a perceived sense of entitlement and "glory hunter" fans who only support the team due to its global commercial brand. 

n recent years, despite a lack of major league success, the club has faced backlash for spending over €2 billion on transfers with minimal return on investment. This massive expenditure, coupled with constant vocal dissatisfaction from their own fans toward the Glazer ownership, has alienated neutral supporters who view the United fanbase as ungrateful. 

Their most vocal detractors are naturally found in Liverpool; a specific study revealed that 28.81% of people in the city of Liverpool hate Manchester United more than any other club.

2. Liverpool 

Following closely in the wake of United’s notoriety is Liverpool FC. The Merseyside club sits as the second most disliked team, earning a 15.61% disapproval vote. While their 1980s success laid the foundation for this rivalry, modern resentment stems from a perceived "superiority complex." A significant point of contention for many English fans is the "Scouse, not English" identity frequently adopted by Liverpool supporters. This cultural distancing from the England National Team has led to friction with the broader domestic football community. 

Rival fans, particularly those of Manchester United and Everton, often point to a "sense of victimhood" or entitlement as reasons for their dislike. Former player and pundit Michail Antonio once noted the intensity of these feelings, suggesting that the passion of certain fanbases can often cross the line into being "vexing" for everyone else involved in the league.

3. Chelsea

Chelsea FC occupies the third spot on this list with a disapproval rating of approximately 9.18%. The core of the hatred toward Chelsea is rooted in the "New money" era initiated by Roman Abramovich. Critics frequently argue that Chelsea "bought their success," a narrative that has persisted for over 2 decades. 

Beyond financial factors, the club’s reputation has been marred by the behavior of certain sections of their fanbase. A notable recent event involved Chelsea fans flooding the review site Trustpilot with one-star ratings for the telecommunications company "Three" after the brand suspended its sponsorship of the club. 

This organized "digital attack" left the company with a 1.6-star rating and was widely condemned as petty and toxic behavior. Chelsea is most intensely hated by their London neighbors, specifically Arsenal and Tottenham, who view the Blues as a club lacking the organic history of their peers.

4. Arsenal 

Arsenal ranks fourth with an 8.82% disapproval rating. In the digital age, much of the animosity toward Arsenal is fueled by "Arsenal Fan TV" (AFTV). The constant cycle of loud, public outbursts, from the "Wenger Out" era to critiques of modern management, has earned them a reputation as the most "disgruntled" fanbase in the league. 

This performative frustration is often seen as exhausting by rival supporters. Former West Ham striker Michail Antonio explicitly stated in an interview with The Boot Room: "I don't like Arsenal fans! They can be quite vexing... and let's not even get started on Arsenal Fan TV!" This sentiment is shared by many who feel the Arsenal fanbase is more focused on social media drama than the sport itself.

5. Manchester City 

Finally, Manchester City rounds out the top five with a 7.7% disapproval share. While City was historically a "likable loser," their transformation into a global juggernaut under the Abu Dhabi United Group has changed public perception. The primary driver of hatred here is the 115 alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. 

Many fans feel that City’s trophy-laden spell under Pep Guardiola is "tainted" by financial irregularities. Younger supporters, in particular, despise the club because their dominance has made the league feel "predictable."

List of the most hated Premier League clubs (2025/26):

Manchester United (19.9% - Arrogance and high spending)

Liverpool (15.61% - Entitlement and "Scouse, not English" sentiment)

Chelsea (9.18% - Financial backing and toxic social media behavior)

Arsenal (8.82% - Constant vocal frustration and AFTV reputation)

Manchester City (7.7% - FFP allegations and domestic dominance)

Tottenham Hotspur (6.56% - Perceived entitlement without recent trophies)

The reports from Nowgoalmobi.net have clearly illustrated that being the most hated club in Premier League is often a byproduct of immense success or significant financial shift. Whether it is the historic weight of Manchester United or the financial power of Manchester City, these clubs will always remain the primary targets for criticism. Does your favorite club appear on this list? 

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