Financial upturn for Red Devils

MANCHESTER UNITED’S owners have strengthened their financial position despite the protests against them after releasing figures showing increases in revenue and profits.

With a group of financiers called the Red Knights confirming their interest in a possible takeover, the Glazer family can point to a rising turnover and profits at the club. The figures for the six months up to December show turnover up 19% to £144.7m (€159m) from £121.7m (€133.8m) for the equivalent period in 2008.

The debt dropped from £538.1m (€591.6m) to £507.5m (€558m) and there were increases recorded in matchday revenues, TV money – particularly from the Champions League – and commercial revenue.