Reds are in the black

Manchester United hailed a significant improvement in their financial performance today after turnover and operating profits moved sharply ahead.

Higher media revenues and more home cup games lifted turnover in the six months to January 31 by 13% to £92.6m (€134.3m) while operating profits before player disposals rose 32% to £31.1m (€45.1m).

However, bottom-line pre-tax profits were 34% lower at £20.3m (€29.5m) because of the tough comparison with the previous year when the club reaped £16.3m (€23.6m) from player deals, including the sale of Jaap Stam and Andy Cole.