22 Apr 2010Manchester United 'world's most valuable club'

Football Clubs News | Football Finance News

English Premier League champions Manchester United are still the world's richest sports team, according to research from American publication Forbes.

Although England's top-flight football clubs are burdened by debts totalling around £2 billion, the magazine placed seven of its sides inside the top 20 most valuable teams. Arsenal came behind Real Madrid in third, while Liverpool were sixth, one place above AC Milan, despite a turbulent season.

The top 20 teams received operating income of £422 million last term, with a Forbes spokesman adding: "The top five clubs took in 86 per cent of the total because their worldwide following allows them to grab much more sponsorship and media revenue."

Despite forking out millions for transfers in the close season, Manchester City came 19th, just one place above recently-promoted Newcastle United. Current English Premier League leaders Chelsea were ninth.

Manchester United may have topped the magazine's table, but concerns over their reported £700 million arrears remain.

Written by Paul Roberts

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