United have increased their wealth in the Forbes magazine annual list of the world's 25 most valuable clubs, topping the table with £0.9billion, from £0.7billion in 2007.

Second-placed Real Madrid boast a higher operating profit at £56million but lag behind the Old Trafford club, for whom Malcolm Glazer paid £0.7billion in 2005.

United's domestic rivals Liverpool have put a season of boardroom strife behind them to rocket seven places from 11th to fourth place in the list.

The Reds' value more than doubled from £227million to £525million despite the ongoing controversy over the club's ownership.

Meanwhile, David Beckham has replaced Ronaldinho as the world's leading player after his deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy, which helped earn him £25million per year.

The Brazilian had to be content with second place while Thierry Henry's pain at missing out on a Champions League final will have been eased by the £12.5million he earned in salary and sponsorship deals this season.