Although Manchester United is not quite living up to its expectations in the league table, it is doing quite well financially. The club has recorded record revenues of £363 million in the past year and made a net profit of £146 million. Merchandising and sponsorships boosted commercial revenues by 30%.

Furthermore, is has been a year since the club’s initial public offering and being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. It hopes to rise up to £248 million through a shares sale.

As a United supporter, the news is great since the club has been in a huge debt since the Glazer’s took over in 2005. I think that United should focus on its league and competition performance as that could translate into financial success. In a way this is similar to product positioning from a firm. Getting first in the league would have a large impact on fans all around the world; the number one club is always remembered. Besides earning revenue from competition prize money, fans would want to support and represent United, thus merchandise sales would increase and also more shares could be sold. The club’s on-pitch success would directly lead to off-pitch financial success.

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Works Cited:

“Manchester United reports record revenues.” BBC News. BBC, 18 Sept. 2013. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24143384>.

“Insider Media Limited.” United seek to raise $400m through shares sale. N.p., 19 Sept. 2013. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. <http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/north-west/98845->.

Manchester United Shares. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.