Off the field, Manchester United's performance seems to have been as strong. Given such success, the latest results posted by Red Football Joint Venture, the club's parent company, are somewhat surprising. It recorded a pre-tax loss of L44.8 million in the year to Jun 30, 2008, while its debts increased from L604 million to L649 million. Tom Silk, managing director, Velocity Sports & Entertainment, said thhat the world's biggest football brand get out of the red by continuing to develop footballers in key international markets such as Asia. EHS Brann's group managing director Mike Spicer suggested that the club must further its sponsorship deals.