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Manchester United named football’s most valuable brand

Manchester United have beaten Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to reclaim their position as the biggest brand in world football, becoming the first club to pass the $1billion mark, the Daily Mail reports.

Despite another season without silverware, United have overcome Europe’s big-hitters at the top of The Brand Finance Football 50, according to a study released on Monday.

The Red Devils are now worth just over $1.2billion (£787.5million), almost $300million more than second-placed Bayern. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea round out the top five.

Barcelona’s Champions League final victory over Juventus on Saturday alone added $28million to their brand value, but could not stop them falling two places to sixth below Man City and Chelsea- although their second treble triumph in six years will probably ease their pain.

Brand Finance CEO David Haigh said: ‘Manchester United’s success has been masterminded by Ed Woodward, the Cristiano Ronaldo of football’s commercial sphere.

‘As Sir Alex Ferguson developed United’s world-beating reputation, Woodward (and United’s owners the Glazers) capitalised on the brand’s growing power to establish a worldwide fan-base and a range of sponsorship deals unrivalled in their number and value.’

United also received another boost to their financial potency thanks to the record-breaking new UK broadcast deal for Premier League rights commencing from the 2016-17 season worth $7.8billion (£5.1billion).

Southampton, thanks in part to their recent successes under Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman, are this year’s fastest growing brand. The Saints’ brand value is up 89% to $183million (£120million).

 

Paul Hambardsumian:
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