Old Trafford
Manchester United continued in their profit making vein as they posted record third-quarter revenues

Things may not have gone to plan on the pitch for Manchester United this season, but off it they have gone from strength to strength. For the quarter ending 31 March, the team from Old Trafford generated revenues of £115.5m – up 26%.

Broadcasting revenues increased by 64.1% in the quarter and 35.7% for the year to date, fuelled by new domestic and international television rights for the Barclays Premier League.

The income will be welcomed with open arms by Manchester United as they look to invest heavily in the team as they overhaul an ageing squad and bring in a new manager, expected to be current Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal, this summer.

Despite frustration from the Old Trafford faithful at the underachievement of the club in the campaign just finished, matchday revenue for the third-quarter increased by 9.1% in comparison with the same period last year to reach £35.6m ($59.6m, €43.6m). The club puts this down to two additional home Premier League games and one additional home Capital One Cup game.

The brand that is Manchester United continued to be an attractive proposition for potential commercial investors as it announced two new sponsorship deals in the quarter in the form of spirits brand Aperol, and Thai company EuroFood, leading to an increase in sponsorship of 43.5%.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "We once again generated record revenues and EBITDA as all of our businesses delivered impressive year over year growth. This puts us in a healthy financial position to continue to invest in the squad.

"Everyone at the Club is working hard to ensure the team is back challenging for the title and trophies next season."

However, one minor setback for United was that retail, merchandising and product licensing went down by £0.8m, but still raked in a healthy £8.4m.

Manchester United FC David moyes Louis van Gaal Premier League