Manchester United posted a 39 per cent rise in first-quarter revenue due to its participation in the lucrative Champions League tournament this season which boosted broadcast and matchday income.

United, currently fourth in the English Premier League, failed to qualify for last season’s Champions League, Europe’s top club competition, but are in a much stronger position this season and look set to progress out of their group to the knockout stages.

The club, owned by the American Glazer family, said total revenue rose to £123.6 million in the three months to September 30, from £88.7 million a year earlier.

The company’s adjusted core earnings almost doubled to £41.6 million.

United reiterated expectations for higher full-year adjusted core earnings of £165 million to £175 million, up from £119.9 million last year.

The club’s global appeal, which it says stretches to 659 million followers, continued to prove lucrative, with four sponsorship deals signed in the quarter.

United’s commercial arm has continued to strike deals around the world. Commercial revenue rose 25.4 per cent to £71.2 million and now make up about 60 per cent of total income.

First quarter results were also boosted by its new kit deal with Adidas, and the fact the kit is selling well.

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