Toiling Manchester United still in money

Manchester United are still on course to become the first British club to earn more than half a billion pounds in one year despite their precarious league position and exit from the Champions League.

United’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Sunday left them six points adrift of the Champions League qualification places with 13 matches left.

Louis van Gaal has faced questions about his position too, with Jose Mourinho reported to be ready to replace the beleaguered United boss if he is sacked, but off the pitch everything appears rosy.

United announced in their second-quarterly financial results yesterday that they expect revenue for the year to hit £500-510m (€637.6m-€650.2m).

No British club in history has recorded such a figure.

United announced a record second-quarter revenue total of £133.8m (€170.6m), up 26.6% on last year.

Commercial revenue for the second quarter was £66.1m (€84.3m) — an increase of 42.5% on the previous year.

Broadcasting revenues were also up 31.3% and sponsorship revenue for the second quarter was up £1.6m (€2m) to £37.4m (€47.7m).

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: “Our strong commitment to investing in our squad, youth academy and the broader club are ultimately underpinned by our financial strength and the hard work and dedication of everyone at the club.

“Our solid results off the pitch help contribute to what remains our number one priority — success on the pitch.”