Only Cristiano Ronaldo s world record transfer prevented Manchester United making an annual loss of more than 30 million pounds, figures released by the English Premier League champions showed on Monday.
United declared a pre-tax profit of 48.2 million pounds (77.7 million dollars, 53.6 million euros) for the year up to June 30, 2009.
But without the departure of Portugal winger Ronaldo, sold to Spanish giants Real Madrid for 80 million pounds (129 million dollars, 90 million euros), the Old Trafford club would have been reporting a a loss of 31.8 million pounds.
The club s figure also showed they had paid 41.9 million pounds in interest on a huge loan of 509.5 million pounds.
Turnover was up to 278.5 million pounds from 256.2 million a year ago.
Nemanja Matic was a key player in Chelsea s 1-0 win at title rivals Manchester City last night
Things have not been plain sailing for Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho in his second stint at Stamford Bridge.
Earlier in the season the Blues were producing inconsistent results and questions were being asked if Mourinho was right to return to the club.
Proof
Last night’s big 1-0 victory at title rivals Manchester City yesterday proved that Mourinho is still the right man for the job at Stamford Bridge. When his team needs a big result, the Portuguese boss is adept at masterminding one.
Crucial
Last night’s game was a crucial one for the Blues in the race for the Premier League title. If Mourinho’s side would have suffered defeat they would ha…
Pep Guardiola is a genius who has been so successful because he can see things before they happen, according to Manchester City star David Silva.
Guardiola joined City in 2016 after a spell with Bayern Munich and, although his first campaign was a difficult one, his second season was anything but.
City strolled to the title last year and broke a host of records in the process, claiming the most points, goals and wins in a single season since the Premier League began in 1992.
Silva feels Guardiola has achieved success because he has the ability to predict outcomes others would not think of.
1 Pep Guardiola is the first Spanish manager to win the English top-flight title. Pioneer.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe)
Pep Guardiola sees things before…
I have great respect for him because he s a winner. I like his mentality. He has a winning mentality. For sure, he s one of the best in the world and, here, he did a great job. I think every single fan must respect him.
There was a suggestion that Mourinho may have gotten to the former Italy coach, however.
Mourinho said last month: It looks like this season to be phenomenal defensively and good in counter attack is art. a thinly veiled dig at admirers of Conte s team.
But the Italian says sitting on the back foot is the last thing on his mind.
I have to tell you one thing, Conte said. Not only here, but I never, ever, ever train for the counter-attack. Never prepare for the counter-attack. Never.
I think the counter-attack is an option, abo…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expects an inevitable drop off in intensity from his players now the Premier League has been retained but warned them that major challenges still lie in wait.
A fifth title in six years was attained following Arsenal’s defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, which essentially gave City three ‘free’ games until the end of the domestic campaign.
They have already dispensed with Chelsea and Brighton follow on Wednesday before Brentford on the final day, but the bigger picture is the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
“They have the party after the (Chelsea) game. I don’t know how they feel,” said Guardiola.
“They have to be ready to run a lot. The bes…
Willian has suggested Vinicius Junior may not feel it is worthwhile to stay at Real Madrid after receiving racist abuse, saying the Brazil winger should be celebrated, not tolerated .
Vinicius was the victim of racist abuse from some Valencia supporters during Madrid s 1-0 defeat at Mestalla Stadium on Sunday.
The Brazil international was subsequently sent off – a red card that has since been rescinded – while LaLiga president Javier Tebas caused upset with his reaction to the incident.
Tebas responded to a tweet by Vinicius, writing: Before you criticise and insult LaLiga, you need to inform yourself well, Vini Jr. Don t let yourself be manipulated.
LaLiga s chief has now apologised for his comments, though Willian believes his fellow Brazilian Vini…
France international forward Loic Remy, currently on loan at Newcastle United, will consider his long-term future next summer, understands.
Remy, who joined Queens Park Rangers from French giants Olympique de Marseille in a deal worth €10 million in January, has been on scintillating form for the Magpies this season.
The former Lyon youth starlet, 26, has bagged five goals and one assist in seven Premier League appearances for Newcastle in 2013/14, playing a direct role in 6 of the Tynesiders 12 league goals.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has already expressed his desire to ink Remy to a permanent deal, but the Frenchman is considering all options ahead of next summer.
I will look at whatever offers come in whether they be from Newcastl…
Maicon has thanked Roma for reigniting his FIFA World Cup dreams after a strong start to the season with the Serie A leaders.
The full-back returned from international exile in September after over two years away from the national team, and scored his first international goal in over three years in Friday s 5-0 win over Honduras.
Maicon struggled for regular football in a season-long stint at Manchester City last term, but his move to Roma has seen him start nine of their 12 Serie A games this campaign.
Rudi Garcia s side sit on top of the league table and the 32-year-old was quick to thank his French manager after the victory over Honduras.
I am very happy for my return to the Selecao (Brazil national team), he told A Bola.
I have to thank Roma and Felipe …
Chelsea have announced the managing director Christian Purslow is stepping down from his role at the club.
The 53-year-old, who held a similar role at Liverpool, moved to Stamford Bridge in 2014 and has helped to orchestrate a number of commercial deals.
Lucrative kit and shirt sponsorship deals with Nike and Yokohama Rubber respectively helped Chelsea to increase their financial strength during a period in which they won the Premier League, and EFL Cup before last season s disappointing displays.
He will leave his post at the end of the season.
I am proud of what we have all achieved, with Chelsea now enjoying great success off the field as well as on it and a commercial team in place to help cement Chelsea s position at the top of the game, Purslow …
Newcastle United s latest signing Andros Townsend is delighted to have the chance to prove himself, claiming he is in the best shape of his life.
Steve McClaren splashed out £12million on the out-of-favour former Tottenham winger to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options in order to secure Premier League survival.
Townsend believes he can prove doubters of his ability wrong after moving to the north-east and is hoping to work his way back into contention for England’s Euro 2016 squad.
I’ve got a massive point to prove now and hopefully Newcastle will benefit from that, the 24-year-old said.
My last full 90 minutes in the Premier League was just under two years ago so I’ve not played consistently in a long time.
But the last time I pla…