Ed Woodward will be barking these sales figures at Europe’s top football agents this January.
Manchester United believe the release of jersey sales may be the key to securing some top footballing talents in the coming months.
Following their 0-0 draw to PSV Eindhoven, last night, RTE pundit Eamon Dunphy declared United were not a big club any more. A big brand, yes, but not in the same footballing league as the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
It may well prove that the power of United’s brand can revive their on-field fortunes.
Earlier this month, Woodward emphasised United’s ability to shift jersey units. This came on the back of news that the club had three players – Memphis, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Wayne Rooney – in the top 10 biggest jersey sellers this year. The chief executive declared:
“We believe the impact on player profiles around the world by joining Manchester United is very powerful – and the shirt figures are strong evidence of that.”
United did make a bid for Neymar last summer and are expected to return to the 23-year-old’s handlers in the New Year.
The prospect of a Cristiano Ronaldo return is not so fanciful, with regular leaks out of Real Madrid about the players unhappiness at the club’s current predicament, and choice of manager – Rafa Benitez.
As much as United will push their ongoing commercial success as a reason to join them, they need results to pick up soon.
Elimination from the group stages of the Champions League would be a huge blow and enough to deter several high-profile names.
All the more reason to get three points away to Wolfsburg next Tuesday.
