United, the most successful football club in the English game, said earnings before tax, interest, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 7.7 percent to 64.2 million pounds in the six months to the end of December.
Though United's on-field supremacy is being challenged at home by crosstown rivals Manchester City, backed by cash from Abu Dhabi, and they suffered an early and costly exit from the Champions' League, Europe's premier club competition, their brand remains attractive.
Deals with kit supplier Nike, shirt sponsor Aon Corp and delivery company DHL, which sponsors the club's training kit, contributed to a 16 percent rise in commercial revenue to 58.6 million pounds.
"What could the club have done with that extra 225 million pounds? Cheaper tickets for loyal fans, investing massively in the squad and stadium, developing and retaining the best youth players, competing on an equal basis with the very best teams in Europe," said a spokesman for the Manchester United Supporters' Trust.
United's second-half financial performance is certain to be hit by their early exit from the Champions League this season after they reached the final last May. They have also been eliminated from the FA Cup, the main domestic knockout competition.
"On-pitch performance always has an impact on revenues, but the underlying strength of the business is there for all to see with the continued growth on the commercial side, which we expect to continue in the next few years," a club spokesman said.
