Manchester United insist they have not signed Cristiano Ronaldo just to sell shirts and generate millions in commercial revenue.
Ronaldo has made a stunning start to his second spell at United, scoring three goals in his first two games, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side currently top of the Premier League.
There is a view United's decision to re-sign Ronaldo, 36, was driven primarily by financial concerns, in particular the millions the club can generate from trading on his name.
Ronaldo broke United's daily shirt sale record in less than four hours after it was confirmed he would retain his iconic No.7 shirt.
But Richard Arnold, United Group Managing Director, said Ronaldo will not be used disproportionately to his team-mates in terms of his commercial duties.
“Obviously it's very early in terms of his arrival, but his impact on the pitch is immediate and visible,” said Arnold.
“We'll be providing an update to where we are in terms of off-pitch activity and any effects there in the next results we do.
“All of the players who have signed have exclusively signed for their ability to deliver on the pitch.
“While every signing we make - some are better known than others - has a positive effect on fan engagement and a positive effect on the activity that we do, that’s putting fuel into a well run engine and we’re renowned in the sports industry for doing a good job of maximising the commercial opportunities that come to us.
“But our focus is on signing players that can deliver on the pitch and then to maximise that opportunity afterwards.
“To single out one player [Ronaldo] in terms of their impact would be wrong."
In their latest financial figures, United recorded an operating loss of £36.9million last season, due to the impact of Covid-19.
Net debt was down from £474.1m to £419.5m, largely due to season ticket revenues and a favourable exchange rate.
Champions League participation was a key reason behind United's wage bill increasing by 13.6 per cent to £322.6m.
