Arsenal became the biggest club in the land a couple of months back when they released their end of year results. They were the first English club to cross the £200m revenue barrier. Their lead however did not last long. Manchester United have just released their year end results. Results include a profit of £59.6m and a strong statement saying the club will not sell Cristiano Ronaldo regardless of price.

Profits were up a whopping 93 per cent for the Red Devils while turnover rose 21 per cent to £245 million. The results restore the clubs position at the top of the financials list. They are once again the richest club in Britain. Arsenal posted £51m profit on £200.8m turnover in September.

The results will have delighted fans who have criticized the Glazers takeover as unsustainable. Match day revenues were increased by 30% as Old Trafford now holds 76,000 seats. Much of this increase has gone to service the Glazer’s debt. Interest rates have soared and payments on loans increased from £27m to £42m for the year. However the Glazers have been true to their word. They promised and delivered new sponsorship deals to compensate for the debt they brought to the club. After the departure of Vodafone a record shirt deal was signed with AIG whilst the Glazer’s helped push the United brand overseas.

United’s success was boosted by their run in the Champions League. They reached the semi finals in the illustrious competition one of the reasons media revenues last year rose 35 per cent to £61.5m. 2006 showed United had a "financial relationship" with just 352,041 of their then 75 million global fans. Just under 172,000 attended a game whilst 180,000 had used United services or bought merchandise. That figure has more than quadrupled, with more than one million South Koreans alone now owning a United-branded credit or debit card. One major Glazer aim was always to convert vague fandom into bottom-line cash and they are well on track for creating a strong global following.

Manchester United is now a global brand. This is highlighted also in the teams off season games. Alex Ferguson takes his team to Saudi Arabia shortly for a testimonial game. Next season’s preparation tour will see them travel to South Africa.

Despite all the success Manchester United do not top the rich list globally. That accolade goes to Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid who grossed £261m in their latest figures. However, the new results coupled with the 21 per cent growth show that Man U are pushing hard.