LONDON: Manchester United may be struggling to defend the Premier League title but their “disappointing” form has yet to have an impact on their commercial performance.
Hours before their match away to title contenders Arsenal, United reported commercial income of £42.3m ($69.9m, 51.5m euros) -- up 18 percent for the quarter and 30 percent on the year so far.
In the quarter to December 31, United initiated six new sponsorship deals, proof of the English football giants’ enduing global commercial appeal.
This was despite a poor run of results under new manager David Moyes that has left United in seventh place, a huge 16 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea and in danger of missing out on a place in next season’s European Champions League.
United chief executive Ed Woodward, while welcoming the figures, admitted the club’s on-field form was a concern.
“We once again achieved a record revenue quarter with strong contributions from our commercial and broadcasting businesses despite the current league position, which everyone from the team manager down has acknowledged is disappointing,” he said.
“We continue to see meaningful opportunities to grow our commercial business and the popularity of football on TV is leading to continued broadcasting revenue growth -- all of which bodes well for the long-term stability and financial strength of our business.
“We are also very pleased to have added a world class player in Juan Mata to our squad, who has already made a positive impact.”
AFP
