Manchester United is now officially the world's most expensive football club, taking over from Real Madrid at the top of the Forbes annual rich list for the first time in five years.


Jose Mourinho's club is valued at $3.69 billion, up 11% on last year. United generated record revenues of $765 million -- over $75 million more than Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, aided by an unprecedented domestic television deal, global commercial reach and an Adidas kit sponsorship arrangement, worth a reported $90 million per year.

The club, owned by the American Glazer family, is also substantially the most profitable, posting operating income of $288 million, more than fellow English clubs Arsenal ($122 million), Chelsea ($52 million, Liverpool ($29 million) and Tottenham Hotspur ($68 million) combined.