Spanish giants leave United in the shade

Manchester United are falling behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in the ‘Money League’ of the world’s richest clubs, according to a new report.

The report by analysts Deloitte says although United’s revenues continue to grow, they have not kept pace with the Spanish giants, who have the advantage of being able to negotiate their TV rights deals individually.

United’s failure to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League this season will see the gap widen further next year, say Deloitte.

Real Madrid remain top of the money league with revenues in 2010/11 of €479 million with Barcelona second on €451m and Manchester United third on €367m.

The report states: “We are starting to see widening gaps between clubs at the top of the Money League.

“Manchester United’s consistent on-pitch success has helped establish it as a continued fixture in the top three of the Money League, yet in recent years a gap has grown betweenthemselves and the Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, rising again to €83.7m in this year’s edition.

“United’s failure to qualify for the 2011/12 Champions League knockout phase will have a detrimental effect on revenues relative to the top two, which may result in this gap increasing to over €100m.

“In addition, there is a €70m gap between fourth-placed Bayern Munich and fifth-placed Arsenal.”

Chelsea remain sixth in the Money League, but Liverpool have fallen a place to ninth behind AC Milan and Inter and the report states the Reds’ lack of European football could see them drop out of the top 10 unless they at least qualify for the Europa League.

“The club needs European football each year to maintain its status,” says the report. “In the medium to longer term, the Warrior Sports kit deal will underpin further commercial revenue growth, whilst formulating a viable plan to either redevelop Anfield or move to a new home is key in driving matchday revenue increases.”

Tottenham are 11th in the Money League, just in front of Manchester City, thanks to last season’s Champions League income, but the value of the huge Etihad sponsorship deal, which could total €477m, should see City break into the top 10 next year.