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LONDON - MANCHESTER United are determined to reclaim their status as the world's richest soccer club.
To do that, the English Premier League champions will embark on a ground-breaking global sponsorship programme, reported The Telegraph.
On Friday, United are set to announce a record gross turnover of £245 million (S$691 million) for the financial year to June 30, 2007.
However, they still lag behind Spanish champions Real Madrid, who recorded £263 million for the same period last year.
Now, United have developed plans to break up a chunk of their sponsorship rights and market them separately in countries around the world.
It is understood the club's new programme will not affect their lead sponsorship deals, such as their £56.5 million, four-year shirt sponsorship agreement with insurance group AIG.
United's American owner, Malcolm Glazer, is keen to exploit the club's global fan base after research found the club have a staggering 333 million supporters across the globe.
Old Trafford executives believe that by offering limited rights to the United brand to companies in territories such as China and America, they will be able to boost the club's revenue significantly.
On Friday, United will release their latest set of accounts, which will show that they have already restored the traditional financial order of English football by making more money last season than Arsenal.
The North London club posted a record-breaking turnover of £200.8 million - significantly more than the £168 million announced by United last year.
United's massive increase in income last season can be explained by two factors - success on the pitch, leading to a massive increase in revenue from television, and the expansion of Old Trafford.
The Glazers enjoyed the benefits of their first full season with a 76,000 capacity.
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