Manchester United, the world's richest soccer club, yesterday reported a 20 per cent rise in operating profit after an all-conquering year in which the team were crowned European champions. United said plans to increase seating at its Old Trafford stadium were ahead of schedule and that it would have a capacity of 67,400 from August 2000, a year earlier than planned. The stadium now holds 55,000 people.

United, winners of the domestic Premiership and FA Cup double as well as the European Champions League, said turnover jumped 26 per cent to £110.7 million sterling (€171.2 million), the first time it had exceeded

£100 million. Operating profit before accounting for player transfer costs and exceptional items rose by a fifth to £32.3 million. These extra costs brought bottom-line pre-tax profit down to £22.4 million from £27.8 million pounds a year earlier. But it raised its final dividend to 1.25p per share from 1.18p. The club also confirmed it had agreed a retail partnership with Debenhams to operate 20 in-store outlets.