In the first season since Sir Alex Ferguson stood down as manager, United trailed in seventh in the Premier League and duly failed to qualify for the Champions League. Those disappointments saw David Moyes sacked after less than a year in charge.

Dan Jones, partner in the sports business group at Deloitte, said: "A season that saw Manchester United finish in their lowest league position since the start of the Premier League era actually saw the Red Devils reclaim second spot in the money league.

"Their commercial growth... continues to yield record-breaking deals. If the club can regain their Champions League status for the 2015-16 season, there is a strong possibility they will also regain top spot in our money league for that season.''

United's hopes of overtaking Real have also been boosted by .... more @ www.eplfanz..com