United hit by drop in TV cash

MALCOLM GLAZER learned last night that Manchester United have slumped to fourth in the table of earnings from TV cash and prize money by Premier League clubs this season.

Chelsea (£50.8m), Arsenal (£48.7m) and Liverpool (£47.4m) all earned more than United (£44.4m), who have paid the price for a poor season in the Champions League and finishing third in the Premiership for the second year running.

American tycoon Glazer, who has now assumed full control of United, will be concerned to see that the club earned £6m less than Chelsea and perhaps more importantly almost £13m less (25% down) than in the 2003/2004 season.