The aims are only a guide for investors in United on the New York Stock Exchange and there is no suggestion Moyes would come under pressure if he failed to meet them in his debut campaign.
However, United have never finished below third since 1991 and have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 12 out of the 17 seasons they have featured in the group stage prior to this season, so it does seem a reasonable guide to their ambition.
And for a club that has just posted a 13.4% rise in turnover to ?363.2million for the year ending June 30, 2013, there always has to be something to aim for.
"For fiscal 2014, Manchester United expects revenue to be ?420million to ?430million," it is stated in their annual report, which was released on Wednesday morning.
"This assumes the team finishes third in the FA Premier League and reaches the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and the domestic cups."
In truth, a significant portion of this increase will come from the massive new TV contract, which executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward estimates will earn United an increase of "between 35 and 38% on the previous three-year deal."
Evidently though, United's commercial operation is the main area of growth, with a staggering 29.7% rise to £152.5million for the year.
Of this figure, sponsorship revenue alone has gone up 44.1% to ?90.9million.
With a massive new shirt deal with US car giant Chevrolet due to be launched at the start of next season, present sponsors Aon already assuming naming rights to United's training ground, training kit and future tours, the lure of the present Premier League champions is clear.
Source: PA
Source: PA