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REVEALED: How Manchester United are set to TOPPLE Real Madrid at the top of world football
MANCHESTER UNITED have closed the gap on Real Madrid - in the financial world.
Ed Woodward points the way Man United are going
Real Madrid have retained their place as the most valuable football team in the world for a third straight year.
But the reigning European champions' value has dropped five per cent to £2.13billion this year, although their £489million revenue is the highest of any sports team in the world.
Rivals Barcelona are second in the 2015 list with a value of £2.07bn, followed by Manchester United at £2.03bn.
Manchester United - Most Expensive Transfers
However unlike the Spanish giants the value of Louis van Gaal's side has grown this year, with Forbes reporting a 10 per cent increase.
And next year United are likely to boost their finances further with the 10-year sponsorship deal with with Adidas.
The Old Trafford giants are one of eight Premier League sides in the top 20, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool amongst the top-eight most valuable clubs.
Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham complete the Premier League's representation.
The Man United director's box at the beginning of the season
Forbes' top 10 most valuable teams of 2015:
1) Real Madrid £2.13bn
2) Barcelona £2.07bn
3) Manchester United £2.03bn
4) Bayern Munich £1.54b
5) Manchester City £905m
6) Chelsea £898m
7) Arsenal £859m
8) Liverpool £644m
9) Juventus £549m
10) AC Milan £508m
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