Man Utd top Forbes’ rich list

Manchester United’s players celebrate after winning the Europa League

Manchester United top Forbes’ Most Valuable Soccer Teams List for the first time in five years, with the club now worth £2.86bn.

The Europa League winners lead the way over La Liga rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, who drop to third after winning a Champions League and La Liga double.

According to the US business magazine, Barcelona have a current value of £2.82bn and Real, who were ranked first for the past four years, are worth £2.77bn.

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Rounding out the top five are Bayern Munich at £2.10bn and Manchester City, who have moved above Arsenal, at £1.61bn.

Six Premier League teams feature in the top 10, with United, City and the Gunners joined by Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham. The other is Serie A giants and Champions League finalists Juventus.

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United generated revenues of £593m during the 2015-16 season, some £60m more than both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

They are also by far the most profitable football club in the world, posting operating income of £223m – £83m more than runners-up Real Madrid.

“Manchester United’s return to the top spot is a testament to their powerful brand and marketing acumen,” said Mike Ozanian, assistant managing editor at Forbes Media.

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Forbes’ top 10 world’s most valuable football teams:

1) Manchester United – US$3.69bn (£2.86bn)
2) Barcelona – $3.64bn (£2.82bn)
3) Real Madrid – $3.58bn (£2.77bn)
4) Bayern Munich – $2.71bn (£2.10bn)
5) Manchester City – $2.08bn (£1.61bn)
6) Arsenal – $1.93bn (£1.50bn)
7) Chelsea – $1.85bn (£1.43bn)
8) Liverpool – $1.49bn (£1.15bn)
9) Juventus – $1.26bn (£980m)
10) Tottenham – $1.06bn (£820m)

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