Manchester United have agreed a record-breaking sleeve sponsorship deal with financial technology firm SumUp, as Michael Carrick's side prepare for their Champions League opener against Azerbaijani club Sabah.
The agreement, which the club describes as its largest ever sleeve sponsorship arrangement, will see SumUp's branding appear on the first-team shirts for the first time in Thursday's match. The precise value of the contract has not been disclosed, though it is understood to exceed the recently finalised training kit sponsorship agreement with Betway, which is reported to generate approximately £20million annually.
SumUp deal supports commercial growth
SumUp, described by the club as a "leading global fintech company", takes over from DXC Technology on the shirts. The branding will also feature on the academy and women's teams' kits.
Manchester United's chief business officer, Marc Armstrong, said: "The new agreement supports our commercial growth strategy and reflects the continued appeal of Manchester United as a platform for ambitious brands looking to connect with audiences around the world."
Schmeichel hails Rashford return
United legend Peter Schmeichel has compared Marcus Rashford to a new signing following the forward's early-season performances. Rashford returned to the club after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona, and a proposed summer departure fell through.
Speaking to Viaplay after Rashford's display in the 2-2 draw with Everton, Schmeichel said: "Coming away from that game, Rashford is now smelling of roses. I thought he was absolutely fantastic."
The former goalkeeper added: "It just shows that there's some intent now for Marcus to go back to what he was for Manchester United four years ago, when he scored 30 goals in one season. He was playing like this. Seeing his team-mates, putting them in, getting the ball into good positions, stepping up, getting the ball into the box. He wasn't trying to do everything himself, [he was] trying to be dangerous. If that's what we get for this season, welcome back, Marcus. We have missed you, because he is then one of the top players in the world."
United dropped late points in the 2-2 draw with Everton on Sunday. They are back in the Champions League for the first time since the format was revamped to include a league phase, opening their campaign against Sabah on Thursday.
