Manchester United reveals impact of Covid year

Revenues from broadcasting rights helped Manchester United offset losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

In the 12 months to 30 June, the club made £254.8m from broadcasters, 81.7% up on the previous year's £140.2m.

However, due to games being played behind closed doors because of Covid restrictions, matchday revenues fell from £89.8m to £7.1m.

Executive vice chairman, Ed Woodward, said the year was one of the most challenging in its history.

But he went on to say: "While the financial impact from the pandemic is visible, our continued underlying strength is also clear to see and everyone associated with the club can be proud of the resilience we have shown through these most testing of times."

The club's total revenues for the year dropped from £509m to £494.1m.

He said summer signings, which include that of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo, along with Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Tom Heaton were "made possible by the strength of our operating model, with sustained investment in the team underpinned by robust commercial revenues".

Last year, United said they suffered a £70m drop in expected revenue as a direct result of the pandemic.