Kieran Maguire

Fri 27 January 2023 17:00, UK

Liverpool have “bragging rights” over Man United after surpassing their rivals in the esteemed Deloitte Football Money League.

That is the view of finance guru Kiean Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 2021-22 iteration of the list that ranks clubs by annual revenue published last Thursday (19 January).

Liverpool’s income for the season, in which they finished as runners-up in the Champions League and Premier League while lifting the FA and League Cups, totalled £615.5million.

United endured a less successful season on the pitch, finishing 6th in the Premier League and failing to win a trophy for the fourth successive campaign.

It is the first time that the Merseysiders have trumped their rivals in the income stakes.

With both clubs currently for sale, Maguire explained how the latest figures will affect the perceptions of Liverpool and United in the eyes of investors.

“Liverpool overtaking United in the Money League does give bragging rights,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.

“No doubt they will be used by the fans of Liverpool to knock United off their perch, to paraphrase Sir Alex Ferguson.

“In terms of timing, there will be a lot of interest in Liverpool as a potential investment opportunity.

“It has to be said that what Liverpool has been able to demonstrate that being efficient and smart both on and off the pitch does create a symbiotic relationship which helps to drive Liverpool up the table.

“United’s focus under Ed Woodward was very much generating money off the pitch through commercial development. That came at a fairly heavy price in terms of achievements on the pitch.

“They are earning no more money from broadcast revenue and commercial revenue than they were five or six years ago. Liverpool, on the other hand, have grown significantly. That has allowed them to overtake United.“

In other news, pundit issues “huge” verdict on Jude Bellingham signing for Liverpool after source’s update.