Real Madrid have overtaken Manchester United to claim the crown of world’s wealthiest football club in terms of income, according to a new report from Deloitte Sports Business Group.

Based on day-to-day revenue from the 2004-05 season, United were pushed into second place by the continued strong draw of players such as David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane helping to boost Real Madrid’s ticket and merchandising sales, contributing to an annual income of £186.2 million.

Manchester United’s drop in revenue from £171.5 million to £166.4 million comes in the same season as the club’s purchase by US businessman Malcolm Glazer. Reduced broadcasting revenues both in the UK and in Europe have seen the club’s income decline over the past twelve months, although the figures show it still made more from match day revenues than any other club in the list.

However, the report predicted that it was unlikely that Manchester United would return to claim the top spot this year, due to their early exit from the Champions League.

The report, which does not include transfer frees or players wages, shows that nine British clubs have made it onto the list of the world’s richest 20 teams, with Chelsea coming in at number five in the list, behind AC Milan and Juventus.

(CL)