Manchester United says it is once again the richest club in the world after earning gross revenues of $490 million for the year ending in June 2007. The Red Devils’ haul exceeds that of Real Madrid, the former title holder, by just 12 euros if the average conversion rates during the same time period are used.
United Chief David Gill estimates United’s current fan base as 333 million across the globe, with an active fan base of around 139 million — 83 million of which come from Asia. For the year ending June 2007, United’s profits were $120 million, a 93 percent rise over 2006. The club’s revenues from nearly every area are rising and will receive an added boost this year once the new Premier League TV deal takes effect.
Gill points out that the Red Devils are in much better financial shape than anyone could have predicted before American Malcolm Glazer and family took control of the club in 2007. Most important, Gill said they stuck to their promises. “They said they would retain Sir Alex Ferguson and back him. They said they would keep me and other members of staff. They said they would invest in the team. They have done all that,” he said, adding: “They have also added value in other areas. The AIG shirt-sponsorship deal was a world record — that was down to them.”