Manchester United Pass Real Madrid on Forbes' 2017 Football Rich List

Manchester United are now the most valuable football team in the world after passing Real Madrid on Forbes' 2017 football rich list.

Mike Ozanian of Forbes.com reported how the Red Devils have supplanted Los Blancos despite the latter's winning the UEFA Champions League this season:

"For the first time in five years, Manchester United is the world's most valuable soccer team, worth $3.69 billion. The team's return to the top spot is a testament to their powerful brand and marketing acumen. Manchester United generated revenue of $765 million during the 2015-16 season, $77 million more than both Barcelona and Real Madrid."

It's the first time in five years United have topped this list, per the report. Ozanian applauded United's marketing nous as the main reason for the increase in revenues: "Manchester United brought in $405 million in advertising and sponsorship revenue, more than any other soccer team."

Significantly, Ozanian also noted how United's qualifying for next season's Champions League, courtesy of winning the UEFA Europa League trophy, means the club could stay at the top of this list.

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United have knocked Real off top spot despite a season where they finished sixth in the Premier League, while Los Merengues won La Liga's title for the first time since 2012.

However, United have highly marketable assets in the shape of world-record buy Paul Pogba and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. As Ozanian also revealed, via a table compiled by Forbes' Chris Smith, the Old Trafford club have the third-most valuable sponsorship deal.

United's global appeal and business sense have left Real trailing for a rare time. Topping this list despite not winning the league since 2013 or the European title since 2008 speaks volumes about how well United are directed off the pitch.

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Yet the progress off the pitch must be met by more strides on it next season as manager Jose Mourinho gets ready for a second campaign in charge.