Manchester United on-field success showing on balance sheet

Manchester United

The improved on-field performance of Manchester United FC has been reflected in its first-quarter figures, released on the New York Stock Exchange today.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward pointed victories in four out of four Champions League matches and progression to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, otherwise known as the League Cup.

Total revenue climbed to £141m in the three months to September 30, up 17% on the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the Old Trafford club signed three new players – Victor Lindelof, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic.

Total operating expenses for the quarter were £143.1m, an increase of £20.9 million, or 17.1%, over the prior year quarter.

Player salary increases due to Champions League participation led to 12% increase of £7.6m, taking employee expenses to ta total of nearly £70m.

Employee benefit expenses for the quarter were £69.9 million, an increase of £7.6 million, or 12.2%, over the prior year quarter primarily due to player salary uplifts due to participation in the UEFA Champions League.

Commercial revenue for the quarter was £80.5m, up £6.2m, or 8.3% and sponsorship income grew to £53.2m, an increase of £6.3m or 13.4%, primarily due to playing a greater number of Tour matches in the US – to a total audience of 250,000 people.

Broadcasting revenue for the quarter was £38.1m, an increase of £9m, or 30.9%, over the prior year quarter, primarily due to participation in the Champions League.

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