Manchester United see fall in revenue at Old Trafford

United fans have sometimes been criticised for the lack of noise at Old Trafford (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United released quarterly results yesterday that showed the club's revenues dropped in the three months ending 31 March by £4.4m, to £70.8m compared to £75.2m in 2011. That drop would have been greater had there not been increased sponsorship income of £3.5m.

The figures also showed that United spent £71m on a buyback of bonds and on interest payments over the past nine months. The club's net debt has risen by £26m.

The former England striker Michael Owen said yesterday that United had not offered him a new contract, after three injury-hit years at the club.

Owen said: "At 32, I owe it to myself to have two or three years and play a bit more – but for somebody else."