Manchester United post record revenues

Manchester United are on course to become the first British club to earn more than $1 billion in a single year.

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Louis van Gaal's men have endured a topsy-turvy season on the field and face an uphill battle to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

Failure to do so will fuel speculation about the United manager's future, but off the field the picture is bright.

United's third-quarterly financial results released on Friday showed the club expect to earn between $ 988 million (AUD) and $1 billion in revenue in 2016.

The club announced record third-quarter revenues of $243 million, up 29.9 per cent on last year, and commercial revenues rose 37.7 per cent to $128 million.

Broadcasting revenue for the third quarter was $53 million and matchday revenue came in at $57 million, with total operating expenses of $201 million - a 3.2 per cent increase compared to the same quarter last year.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was positive about the financial results but also matters on the field, although he did not mention manager Van Gaal in his statement.

"The conclusion to this year's season demonstrates once again why the Premier League is the most popular league in the most popular sport," he said.

"As we reflect on our season, we are delighted by the emergence of yet another crop of exciting young players that demonstrate once again our terrific track record of youth development.

"We are looking forward to the FA Cup final on May 22 and hopefully winning this special trophy for a record-equalling 12th time."