Manchester United are still on course to become the first British club to earn more than £500 million (€639 million) in one year despite their precarious league position and exit from the Champions League.

Six points adrift of the Champions League qualification places and with manager Louis van Gaal facing questions about his position, off the pitch everything appears rosy.

United announced in their second-quarterly financial results on Thursday that they expect revenue for the year to hit £500 million to £510 million. No British club in history has recorded such a figure.

United showed its commercial strength when it raised its core earnings expectations for the year as it posted a 26.6 per cent rise in quarterly revenue.

United said it expects adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of £178 million to £188 million pounds for the year, compared to its earlier outlook of £165 million to £175 million.

Commercial revenue in the quarter jumped 42.5 per cent and broadcasting revenue rose by 31.3 per cent. However matchday income was down 1.6 per cent.

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

United is to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.045 per share.

- (Reuters/PA)