There can be no disputing that this has been a decidedly unhappy season for Manchester United. At best, and extremely generously, it can be described as one of ‘rebuilding’ by the fallen giants.

Out of Europe, out of the title race and with only the domestic cups to salvage their campaign, it has hardly been a season of joy for the new owners – the Glazer family.

But this week things took a turn for the worse when the financial position of the club started to mirror the footballing one.

After a magnificent run of eight years at the top of the list of the world’s richest clubs, United have been pushed down to second by Real Madrid. That must hurt.

Although this does not mean they are poor by anybody standards, it does show that they are no longer the dominant financial force in the game. Year on year, their earnings fell from 171 million to 166 million. A sum not enough to buy you a decent defender in this day and age, true, but nevertheless significant simply for being a fall.

But the worse part of the new figures, and the bit which must surely be making Malcolm Glazer reach for a hair brush, is the fact that Real Madrid’s increase in revenue was put down mostly to increased shirt sales.

One of the main business reasons behind him buying United was their global marketability, the spectacular brand awareness which makes the club a household name in most of the world’s countries.

But now Madrid seem to be over taking them on that front which must be worrying to the Glazers as they look to‘make a buck’ from their new toy.

Ironically, the bulk of Madrid’s increase in shirt sales was down to one man, a certain David Beckham.

Talk about rubbing salt in the wound….

Harry Redknapp

Let’s all take time out to spare a thought for poor old Harry Redknapp.

It seems no matter what he does, where he goes or who he manages, the hungry dog of controversy is to be found snapping at his heels.

It’s only been a couple of months since he returned to Portsmouth after controversially leaving Southampton who he had equally controversially joined after leaving Portsmouth.

But the man who was hailed as a saviour on his return to Fratton Park is now under pressure following his failure to halt the club’s slide. And that pressure could see him shown the door by Pompey.

Chairman Milan Mandaric has insisted Harry’s job is safe. But coming from him that could mean anything from it actually being safe to Harry’s dismissal being signed, sealed and soon-to-be-delivered.

Apparently Milan has been bombarded by text messages calling for Harry to be sacked after just three wins out of his 13 or so games in charge. The same thing that happened when Alain Perrin was boss.

And, considering the huge amount spent by Harry in the January transfer window, not to mention the fact that there is a new co-chairman around, his Portsmouth career looks doomed.

Still, Southampton haven’t been doing very well under George Burley. Maybe there might be a vacancy there again soon that Harry can apply for.

While we are sparing thoughts for managers who just can’t seem to make good decisions, let’s spare one for Ian Holloway.

The outspoken and frequently downright controversial QPR boss was put on “gardening leave” by the London club when it came apparent that he had been negotiating with Leciester to fill their vacancy.

QPR’s directors said it was untenable for Holloway to stay in charge once he had decided to move to Leciester. Fair enough.

Sadly for Holloway, though, the Leicester deal was not as sewn up as he thought it was and since then they have appointed an entirely different person as boss.

Effectively, that leaves Holloway stuck quite firmly in limbo.

Let’s hope for his sake that he has one hell of a big garden…

Amusing quotes

Couple of amusing quotes from the world of football this week.

Firstly we have Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy displaying an overabundance of confidence following their last gasp goal against Spurs last week which earned them a draw and finally moved their season’s points total into double figures.

“I thought we deserved the draw. Europe here we come!” he said, possibly referring to some pre-season tour they have planned while warming up for next season in the Championship.

The other quote is from another beleaguered boss in the shape of Steve Bruce. Talking about the recent woes of England defender Sol Campbell, Bruce was modesty personified.

“He has been a top player all his career. I have played badly all over the world,” he said.

Too true Steve. And I am sure Sol will appreciate it.

Then again you could easily swap the words “player” and “played” for “manager” and “managed” in reference to just about anybody else in the business...

Fernando Morientes

Fernando Morientes has promised not to do a Gary Neville this weekend and celebrate in front of the opposition fans if he scores.

Considering his recent track record, the only word of note in that sentence is “if”.

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