Manchester United fell 10 percent in revenue in the first quarter due to its absence in the Champions League. With its struggles and dismal transition due to the retirement of Alex Ferguson in May 2013, the premier team dropped its revenue from 139 million pounds to 88.7 million in the last quarter up to September 30.
The figure is obviously lower than the 98.5 million pounds reported in 2013, although it is slightly higher than the forecasted 86 million pounds. According to Ed Woodward, its Executed Vice Chairman, they are focusing their efforts on growth opportunities in terms of retail and merchandising, digital media and sponsorship, while recognizing that the results in the fiscal year of 2014-2015 will reflect their absence in the Champions League.
The club has spent 150 million pounds on players, such as Angel di Maria and Luke Shaw in view of expanding their fortunes under Coach Louis van Gaal and Team Manager David Moyes.
Despite a series of injury problems and erratic form, January is more likely to be a quieter period because the team is not into short-term goals.
Right now, the club remains one of the most attractive for fans, with about 659 million in followers and five deals on sponsorship in the quarter including a 750-million pound deal with Adidas.
On Monday, the shares being listed on the New York Stock Exchange closed at $16.29 valuing the Manchester United at $2.7B.