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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Man Utd financial figures show huge affect Champions League failings have had on club

Manchester United's latest financial figures show the staggering affect that no Champions League football has had on the club.

Red Devils executive vice chairman Ed Woodward spoke to club investors on Thursday afternoon after the figures were released.

The figures show that United's Champions League failings have directly led to broadcasting revenue dropping by £39million (37 per cent) year on year, while matchday revenue has declined by 15 per cent.

One benefit of no Champions League football, however, has seen the club's wage bill decrease by 9 per cent.

The figures also showed some good news where commercial growth is concerned. Commercial revenue for this quarter was £70.6m - an increase of £4.7m (7.1 per cent).

Manchester United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward (PA Archive/PA Images)

Sponsorship revenue also increased by £4.8m (11.9 per cent) to £45.1m.

But retail, merchandising, apparel and product licensing revenue saw a very small decrease of £0.1m (0.4 per cent) to £25.5m.

Man United's net debt has also risen by £73.6m over the year meaning, as of December 31, 2019, it stands at £391.3m. Gross USD debt principal remains unchanged.

The Red Devils are currently fifth in the Premier League and in the mix to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under intense pressure to achieve this goal, but must also focus on remaining competitive in the Europa League and FA Cup.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has retained the backing of the United board (PETER POWELL/EPA-EFE/REX)

Red Devils chief Woodward has vowed to continue backing the Norwegian to ensure United return to where they want to be.

"We are pushing for a strong finish in the Premier League, the Europa League and the FA Cup as we enter the final third of the season," said Woodward.

"We have continued to make progress on our squad rebuild, with many changes in terms of players that we have brought in and players that have come through our Academy; the foundation for delivering the long-term success that we are all working towards is in place as we implement our plan and our footballing vision with Ole."

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