Manchester United vice-chairman Ed Woodward insists the club have never prioritised commercial initiatives over results on the pitch.
United's American owners, the Glazers, have been accused of not caring about the club's performances so long as it doesn't jeopardise their business interests.
But Woodward says both aspects are vital to the club's make-up.
"The reality of Manchester United is we are a club in two parts," said Woodward.
"First of all, we are an incredible 141-year footballing institution with all that history, all that legacy, all that tradition and that tradition of success. That can never, ever change. We need to keep that protected.
"Then, like other football clubs, our commercial business allows us to reinvest in the football side. It's how these two interact with each other at Manchester United that results in us having a competitive advantage in this area. What's important is the commercial side is never allowed to take priority over the football side."
