Man United set to unveil new sponsors
Manchester United are set to announce their new shirt sponsors this lunchtime.
Old Trafford chief executive David Gill seems certain to confirm a record sponsorship deal to replace the existing arrangement involving Vodafone, which the telecommunications company decided to terminate two years early.
Although Red Devils officials have refused to name the company involved, there is widespread speculation that American insurance giant AIG are set to sign a four-year contract.
Earlier this week, it was revealed United had cut off negotiations with internet casino group Mansion over a contract which would have netted them up to £70million.
If United have been able to secure a similar sized deal from a company not involved in the gaming industry, it would represent a major coup for Gill and commercial director Andy Anson, who has been castigated in some quarters for his failure to tie up a successor to Vodafone more swiftly.
Despite the criticism, which continued this week following Mansion's stinging attack over alleged 'double-dealing', Anson always remained confident he would strike a massive deal.
Working closely with Gill and Bryan Glazer, Anson embarked on a globe-trotting mission which has now finally borne fruit.
It would be highly surprising if the new deal did not eclipse the £10million a year Chelsea receive from Samsung and maybe even the £15million a season Juventus net from Libyan oil company Tamoil, which is the largest shirt sponsorship contract ever agreed.
Whatever the final figure, it seriously undermine the claims of many financial experts at the time of Vodafone's exit that United's name had been tarnished by the Glazer family takeover, re-establishing the club firmly among the most valuable brand names in world sport.
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