United are one of the world's richest club

If average conversion rates over the 12-month period are used United even pipped Real Madrid. But without average conversion Real recorded a turnover of 263 million pounds over the period.

 The argument may be pedantic, but both clubs take their bragging rights seriously.

 United said in in a statement that profits last season almost doubled to 59.6 million pounds, despite interest payments on the vast debt accrued when the American Glazer family took over the club.

 Anger at them is waning, particularly after they invested in Nani, Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez over the summer.

 "I wouldn't disagree with the view that it would have been unimaginable to sign those four players if we had still been a plc," said chief executive David Gill.

 "There is a new structure in place now, and decisions can be made pretty quickly."

   The Old Trafford stadium has been expanded to 76,000 fans and lucrative sponsorship deals have also helped the reigning Premier League champions to reach new financial heights.

 It has also been estimated that United have 333 million fans world-wide, with an active fan-base of 139 million, 83 million of whom live in Asia.

 United announced on Friday that their pre-season preparation next July will include a one-week trip to South Africa, but with a depleted squad as players engaged in Euro 2008 will not make the journey.