May 10 – While the sanctions issued by UEFA to the European Super League rebel clubs are being regarded by many, in the Premier League in particular, as nominal, Manchester United face a far more financially painful outcome with the loss of the club’s training kit sponsorship.
Reports are that The Hut Group (THG), who was to replace Aon as the club’s kit sponsor from July 1, has pulled out of a 10-year £200 million deal.
THG is scheduled to brand the club kit with its Myprotein brand but reportedly has had cold feet following the online launch of a campaign by Man Utd supporters last week under the hashtage ‘#NotAPennyMore’ urging fans to boycott club sponsors.
The Myprotein business, which is based nearby, could be particularly exposed to a local fan campaign.
In an open letter to club sponsors the fan group, who are campaigning to remove the Glazer family as owners of the club, wrote: “Your sponsorship money will be used for debt servicing and dividends. Supporting the Glazers does not support the club. It sustains a parasitical relationship.
“To that end, Manchester United fans will boycott your products, seek to tarnish your brands and support your competitors until you terminate your commercial partnerships with the Glazer family.”
Fan activism following the failed ESL breakaway has already impacted the club’s playing schedule.
The Old Trafford ground invasion by fans that led to the postponement of the Liverpool fixture an hour before kick-off, now means the club has to play four Premier League matches in 10 days.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has criticised the schedule saying that he will likely be forced to play reserve players in key games to finish the season and to protect key personnel for the Europe League final against Villareal. The impact on the Premier League finishing positions could benefit Leicester City and/or Liverpool as they chase Champions League qualification places for next season.
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