Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United might have suffered a bitter defeat to Manchester City in the derby last weekend, but off the pitch, they continue to be the most successful Premier League club.
Despite an FA Cup triumph last season, the Red Devils had a pretty dismal season under Louis van Gaal, finishing in 5th spot and missing out on the Champions League. However, thanks to their massive global presence and multiple commercial deals, United have posted a record total revenue of £515.3m.
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The club’s accounts until June 30 2016 confirmed the fact that they were the first English club to cross the half billion mark, however, they were still behind La Liga champions Barcelona who made a staggering €679million (£570million).
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: “Our record Fiscal 2016 financial performance reflects the continued underlying strength of the business and the club is on target to achieve record revenues in 2017, even without a contribution from the Champions League.
“This strong financial performance has enabled us to invest in our squad, team management and facilities to position us to challenge for, and win, trophies in the coming years.”
Thanks to the mega-money deal with Adidas, commercial revenue rose up by a whopping 207.9%, while broadcasting and matchday revenues rose up by 30.4% and 17.7% respectively.
Rashford set for Europa start after impressing Mourinho
Striker Marcus Rashford will be handed his first Manchester United start of the Jose Mourinho era at Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday after impressing his manager in Saturday's Premier League defeat by Manchester City.
Mourinho, whose side lost 2-1 after a lacklustre first-half display, made a double substitution at the interval, bringing on midfielder Ander Herrera and the teenage Rashford, who had an instant impact. The 18-year-old had a goal disallowed in the 70th minute after his shot came off Zlatan Ibrahimovic who was offside, and though his energy and pace could not secure a result for United, his manager praised him as a potential game-changer.
"For me the next big game is against Feyenoord and the next game (Rashford) is going to play," Mourinho told reporters.
"I trust him completely. I know his future will be absolutely brilliant."Normally, people look to the football talent but personality at his level is very important and he was showing that last season -- he was showing that immediately."
