Manchester United have secured a record-breaking deal as Michael Carrick fights to transform their fortunes after a disappointing start to the season
Manchester United have been working hard behind the scenes to get a major new deal over the line.
Michael Carrick’s Red Devils have made a disappointing start to the season, having lost their opening fixture away against Hull City, then earned a comeback win over another newly-promoted side, Ipswich Town, before stumbling to a 2-2 draw away at Everton, after conceding a last gasp equaliser when defensive failings again reared their head.
But now they can turn their attention to the Champions League, with a home tie against Azerbaijani outfit Sabah on Thursday, before focus shifts back to league matters and Sunday’s Manchester derby against Manchester City, as Carrick bids to restore United to their former glories. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Rashford ‘smelling of roses’
Peter Schmeichel says Marcus Rashford resembles a fresh acquisition as he praised the returning winger’s early-season displays, reports the Mirror.
Following loan stints at Aston Villa and Barcelona, Rashford has appeared close to his exceptional peak since being welcomed back into the squad after a summer departure failed to come to fruition.
United legend Schmeichel was particularly taken with the 28-year-old forward’s display at Everton. He told Viaplay: “Coming away from that game, Rashford is now smelling of roses. I thought he was absolutely fantastic.”
The Dane continued: “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.”
Record deal signed
United have secured a record sleeve sponsorship agreement with a financial technology firm.
The profitable partnership will see SumUp – described by the club as a “leading global fintech company” – appear on United’s first-team shirts, taking over from DXC Technology.
It represents the club’s largest ever sleeve sponsorship arrangement, though the exact value of the contract remains undisclosed. It is understood to exceed the recently finalised training kit sponsorship agreement with Betway, which will reportedly bring in approximately £20million per year for the club.
United’s chief business officer, Marc Armstrong, stated: “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.”
SumUp branding will make its debut on the shirts in the match against Sabah. It will also be featured on the academy and women’s teams’ shirts.