The Times says United will go into the 2008-09 season with the biggest financial war chest in the history of football. Figures released yesterday showed that massive television income has boosted payments to the 20 Barclays Premier League clubs by almost £300million.

Payments for last season ranged from £29.1 million for Derby County, who were relegated as the worst Premier League club on record, to the £49.3 million handed out to United as champions. United can expect another £30 million if they beat Chelsea to win the Champions League final next week. That will give the club the biggest payout in world football.