CHA CHING!

Last updated : 29 September 2003 By Editor
The Guardian reports:

‘Analysts are predicting pre-tax profits of about £38.5m -
bolstered by the £25m sale of England captain David Beckham
to Real Madrid.

‘Shares in the Old Trafford club have recently moved up
sharply on bid rumours, with the stock price last week
nearly 90% ahead of its level a year ago. The shares are
changing hands at a two-year high of 195p.

‘Profits on player trading this year are expected to reach
£12.5m, while the bottom line has been boosted by a series
of sponsorship deals.

‘The club is likely to confirm tomorrow that it has sealed a
new sponsorship deal with Vodafone. United's current £30m
deal with the mobile phone company, negotiated by former
chief executive Peter Kenyon, ends this season.’