Manchester United have seen their earnings slump by nearly a fifth in the first financial quarter as they continued to lose out on ticket sales from fans unable to attend matches due to the coronavirus crisis.

(San Francisco Chronicle)

The top flight club said playing matches behind closed doors and cancellation of the pre-season tour as a result of the COVID-19 crisis had hit income, although this was partly offset by higher broadcasting revenue.

The results, which were mistakenly released a day in advance due to an error by the publishers of its filings, showed matchday revenue dived by 92% to £1.7m in the three months to September, compared to the same period last year.

However, broadcasting revenue leapt by 45% to £47.6m.

It meant overall earnings for the period were down 19.5% to £109m, leading to a loss of £30m.

The coronavirus pandemic has played havoc with the sporting calendar, forcing the suspension of English Premier League fixtures for three months, with fans still unable to attend matches.

(Lupni.com/Sky News)