The statistics that show how joining Manchester United can boost a player's global popularity

The financial appeal of playing for Manchester United cannot be underestimated. Big-money signings arriving at Old Trafford during the summer transfer window may not be playing in the Champions League this season, but they can expect a huge upturn in their social media profile and the increased marketing appeal and rewards that come with it.

The personal benefits that come with joining the club can be seen by statistics from sports marketing company Repucom:

• -- Manchester United command more than 51 per cent of the Premier League's entire global TV audience with matches watched in over 200 countries worldwide.
• -- United have over 58 million followers on Facebook and 3.4 million Twitte followers, with a cumulative total of 102 million followers across all social media.
• -- When Radamel Falcao signed for the club on transfer deadline day, he saw a 909 per cent increase in searches for his name on Google compared to the day he signed for Atletico Madrid.
• -- Angel di Maria saw a 1111 per cent increase in Google searches on the day his transfer from Real Madrid was announced by United.
• -- When Daley Blind joined from Ajax in August his total Twitter following increased by 72 per cent, with his daily rate of followers up a staggering 5336 per cent.

United came late to the Twitter party. Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea were already firmly established in the Twittersphere when United sent their first tweet in July 2013 racking up nearly half a million followers less than a week afterwards. Ironically, the maiden tweet ushered in the 'new era' under ill-fated manager David Moyes, a new era which would eventually cost the club £50million in lost revenue.

Top ten football clubs on Twitter

Summer tours of Asia and the Americas have become an essential empire-building exercise for the top clubs. European heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid are still the 'Los Reyes' of social media but United dominate the Anglophone world and are catching them up.

Top ten football clubs on Facebook

In merchandising terms, United are the Premier League champions. Before his arrival at Old Trafford from Arsenal, Robin van Persie came no higher than fifth in the list of Premier League players selling the most shirts. He has topped the charts now for the last two seasons.

Top-selling Premier League kits 2013/2014

Top-selling Premier League kits 2012/2013

(SportID)