Man United Welcome New Financial Sponsor: Virgin Money

Virgin Money – part of the iconic brand Virgin Group – becomes the latest financial partner of Manchester United.

(Image credit: Virgin)

Virgin Money has signed a four-year agreement with Man United as the Official Retail Financial Service Partner in the UK. After penning the deal, Virgin Money becomes the 14th financial services partner of the club that already includes some of the following “money” sponsors: Commercial bank of Qatar, Emirates NBD, Eurobank and Santander among many others.

Man United’s Group Managing Director Richard Arnold expressed his delight with new Virgin Money partnership that will see them bring a range of services to their supporters.

“This exciting partnership brings together for the first time two iconic brands; two industry leaders who have a reputation as innovators in their fields,” said Arnold. “I have every confidence the values we share will make this partnership a great success, above all for our loyal fans who will soon be introduced to a range of products that will bring them even closer to the club they support.”

The club classifies its sponsorship deals into four different categories which boast a total of 68 partners worldwide: Global Partners (22), Regional Partners (15), Media & Telecommunications Partners (17) and Financial Partners (14). The biggest sponsorship deals comprise Adidas (kit supplier) and Chevrolet (shirt sponsor), which help the 20-time English champions bring in £75 million ($1 billion) and £60 million ($80 million) per season respectively.

Founder of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, believes this deal will prove fruitful for both brands as they share “similar philosophies.”

“Virgin and Manchester United have very similar philosophies – we both want to change the game, not just play it,” stressed the 66-year-old. “The two coming together under this new partnership with Virgin Money will create something really special.”

After the arrival of new manager Jose Mourinho, their chances instantly increased in all of the competitions the Red Devils are set to feature in next season. Manchester United will open their 2016/17 campaign against Leicester City in the Community Shield (August 7), and Paddy Power Sports favours the 2016 FA Cup winners 1.90 (9/10). Leicester have done a marvellous job last season by defying their 5000/1 odds and clinching the Premier League, however they’re deemed underdogs 3.75 (11/4) against The Special One. A draw between the two sides during regular time stands at 3.50 (5/2), per online sportsbook odds.

(For more info about the online sportsbook, check out Betting Herald’s Paddy Power Sports Review.)