Man Utd finances feel impact of Champions League absence

The effects of David Moyes's disastrous reign at Manchester United are starting to be felt in the Old Trafford coffers as the club revealed a ten per cent drop in revenue for the three months to the end of September.Last year United received £98.5m during the third quarter, but this year the figure has fallen to £88.7m, according to the the latest financial results, and the club has admitted the fall is partly down to the fact that they are not competing in the Champions League or Europa League this season.

Indeed, the results may look better than they actually are. "The fall in income could have been more but was partially compensated for by an increase in sponsorship money and a lower wage bill," says the BBC, which notes that chief executive Ed Woodward had already warned that last season's failures would affect the finances.

The Guardian explains that United received £35.7m from Uefa last season and notes that a fewer number of matches at Old Trafford could cost the club as much as £20m in gate receipts and merchandising.

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However, United are looking at ways to make up the shortfall. Earlier in the season it was reported that United were looking at the possibility of playing some money-spinning friendlies and plans are apparently now taking shape, says the Daily Telegraph.

"As a result of the diminished revenue streams this season, United are already investigating the possibility of an overseas friendly against AC Milan in January," says the paper, suggesting it could be held in the Middle East.

"An end-of-season trip to the Far East or India is also under discussion," claims the Telegraph, which notes that if United don't get to the FA Cup final there would be "a gap in the schedule for Louis van Gaal's squad to embark on a lucrative trip to Asia".

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