Manchester United raised its full-year earnings guidance thanks to higher commercial revenue and said it expects to challenge for trophies next season after virtually securing a return to the European Champions League.

The club has posted third-quarter revenue down almost 18 per cent to £95 million (€132 million). The drop in the three months to March 31st was its third straight quarterly decline, hit by the absence of Champions League income after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season. While matchday and broadcasting revenue fell, the 20-times English champions' push to sign deals from sponsorship to mobile content continued to bear fruit, with commercial revenue up 11.7 per cent in the period. Bolstered by some big-money signings, new Dutch coach Van Gaal has delivered a slightly improved performance this campaign and the club has all but secured a return to the lucrative Champions League with two games to play.