Man United top Money League

Manchester United have pipped Real Madrid to top spot in Deloitte’s annual Money League, which ranks the top 20 clubs in the world based on the revenue they generate.

The top 20 clubs - of which 10 are English - saw their combined revenue grow to a record £6.9bn during the 2016/17 season.

United generated revenue of £581m to clinch top spot, beating Real into second by just £1.49m - the smallest ever margin between the top two clubs.

Jose Mourinho’s side topped the standings for the tenth time in 21 years, thanks in no small part to the £39m they received from UEFA for winning the Europa League.

Real Madrid’s revenue grew by £47.77m in the year they won the Champions League and La Liga, but it was not enough for them to overhaul the side that finished 6th in the Premier League. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City completed the top three. Dan Jones, a partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: “European football continues to flourish financially, with almost half a billion euros of revenue growth for the top 20 Money League clubs.” With all three clubs through to the Round of 16 of the Champions League, it may be as simple as the club that goes furthest in the competition will have the best chance of topping the Money League next year.”

The Deloitte Money League Top 20

1. Manchester United, 2. Real Madrid,

3. Barcelona, 4. Bayern Munich, 5. Manchester City, 6. Arsenal, 7. PSG, 8. Chelsea, 9. Liverpool, 10. Juventus, 11. Tottenham, 12. Borussia Dortmund, 13. Atletico Madrid, 14. Leicester, 15. Inter Milan, 16. Schalke, 17. West Ham, 18. Southampton, 19. Napoli, 20. Everton