Rivals’ new money not a worry for rich Reds

MANCHESTER UNITED are optimistic their ties to high-profile, global partners will help see off the new spending power of Chelsea and — should the current bidding war between businessman Steve Morgan and Thailand PM Thaksin Shinawatra prove fruitful — Liverpool.

Following the slump to third in the Premiership this season, United fans are concerned the club will no longer be able to attract the talent required to muscle their way back into contention at domestic and Continental level.

However, commercial director Andy Anson has played down those fears.

While he accepts a significant cash influx can benefit any club in the short-term, he believes United's multi-million pound alliances with the likes of Vodafone, Nike and Budweiser provides a more solid and sustainable platform for growth and ensure huge profits to reinvest in players. "We are obsessed with being a profitable commercial enterprise so that we can have a sustainable, successful football team," he said.

United's debt-free position also means the planned 7,500-seat stadium expansion taking overall capacity to 75,000 can be achieved without borrowing.

Yet, with major shareholders John Magnier and JP McManus not convinced United are fully exploiting their worldwide fan base, the club are redoubling their efforts at maximising profits all over the planet.

This was one of the major reasons why the competing teams in the inaugural Vodafone Cup are drawn from Asia and South America.

However, Anson admits work still needs to be done closer to home.

Influential Supporters groups are fuming at the 3% 'ticket tax' that has been levied on all credit and debit card season ticket purchases, a charge it is claimed will net United £750,000.

The Independent Manchester United Supporters Association has accused the club of "gross exploitation and blatant profiteering" by insisting on a May 19 deadline for payment, a move they claim will force more fans to pay through credit or debit cards.

Because the scheme has also been incorporated for FA Cup final tickets, the club will take in a further £60,000.