The Glazer family has played down the financial implications of Manchester United's failure to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League. The defeat to Benfica cost the American owners up to �15m in prize money.
But a Glazer family spokesman said: "It was a disappointing result but has no bearing on the family's long-term ownership of Manchester United."
Asked about the financial implications, he said there was enough "slack" in the investment to deal with the situation.
Like many top clubs, United earn millions from the European competition.
But this season's revenue shortfall could be critical to the Premiership outfit, which was purchased earlier this year by billionaire Malcolm Glazer in a takeover that relied heavily on borrowed money. United's 2-1 loss to Benfica on Wednesday evening means the side have no European action to look forward to after the new year for the first time in a decade.
However, the Glazers appear to be unfazed by the result, saying that through the ownership of American Football team Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the family was used to coping with the "ups and downs" of sport.
He added: "We're still second in the Premiership. The show must go on."
Asked about Sir Alex Ferguson's position as manager, the spokesman said he did not want to comment on individuals, and made it clear the club's focus was on their next match, at home to Everton on Sunday.
MMIX
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We're still second in the Premiership. The show must go on
