Manchester United look set for another record-breaking year
after posting a 16.5% increase in first-quarter turnover to
£73.8million.
Manchester United: Turnover growing1 of 1
United reported growth in all areas, with the commercial
side benefiting from the £40million deal with DHL to sponsor their
training kit, helping it rise 22.3% to £29.6million.
Media revenues were up from £19.4million to £22.6million,
largely thanks to United's status as Premier League champions
ensuring they get a larger share of the Champions League pot, and a
lucrative five-match tour of the United States.
In addition, matchday income has also grown 9.6% to
£21.6million, thanks to the first complete sell-out of seasonal
hospitality boxes since the plush Old Trafford quadrants were
completed in 2006.
It leaves United's gross debt at £433.2 million.
After posting turnover of £331.4million and profits of
£110.9million last year, matching a campaign when they won the
title and reached the Champions League final, where they were
beaten by Barcelona, will not be easy given Manchester City's rise
to prominence, including a 6-1 derby-day annihilation last
month.
It places more emphasis on the commercial side, which has grown
enormously thanks to a 'territorial' approach to marketing, which
rival clubs may attempt to copy.
However, speaking last month, commercial director Richard Arnold
was relaxed about that prospect.
"There is only one Manchester United," he said. "Whilst a lot of
the strategy is public knowledge, I am very fortunate to be with
the club I am with and able to do these deals.
"A lot of hard work has gone into getting to the position we are
in now and we are already looking to the future.
"If people want to recreate what we did five years ago that is
up to them. It isn't other clubs that I worry about; it is what we
are going to be doing in the future."
United are also patting themselves on the back for securing five
players on new contracts, including England international Chris
Smalling and striking sensation Javier Hernandez, in addition to
the summer arrivals of Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de
Gea.
However, there was no comment on speculation that Portugal
winger Nani may be the next to benefit from an extension to his
present deal, which is due to expire in 2014.
The position of £30.75million record signing Dimitar Berbatov
also remains unresolved, with United still to confirm their
intention to extend the Bulgarian's stay with the Red Devils by a
further season, which under the terms of his present contract,
which expires at the end of the season, they have the right to
do.