Man Utd calls for patience as on-field woes darken earnings outlook

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Europa League - Group L - Manchester United v Astana - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - September 19, 2019 General view as a fan walks past a mural of Manchester United's Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay outside the stadium before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

(Reuters) - Manchester United forecast annual revenue would fall for the first time in five years after its failure to qualify for this season's UEFA Champions League but backed manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to rebuild the English soccer club.

Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward called for patience after the 20-times English champions also forecast a drop in core profit for 2019-20 and said the club was building for long-term success.