Manchester United are looking for a new sponsor for the front of their jersey after opting out of their three-and-a-half-year contract with TeamViewer.
In 2021, United’s agreement with Chevrolet expired, and the German tech company TeamViewer took the place of the American automaker on the front of their kits.
Erik ten Hag might have hoped his team would be challenging for the Premier League title by the time the new sponsors signed a deal that was scheduled to last until the end of the 2025–26 season.
However, the Glazers’ consideration of selling the club during a time of potential major change has led to a decision by the two parties to terminate the agreement very early.
The German company had already decided not to extend the contract past 2026 after “overstretching” on a £47 million per year deal in August.
The club announced on Thursday night that they had decided to cancel the £235 million contract, though TeamViewer will continue to appear on the jerseys until a replacement is found.
“After a period of collaborative, private discussions over the past months, Manchester United and TeamViewer AG have reached a mutually-beneficial agreement under which Manchester United shall have the option to buy back the rights to the club’s shirt front sponsorship,” the club said.
“Having agreed its partnership with TeamViewer at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Manchester United will be taking the opportunity to commence a focused sales process for a new shirt front partner in a normalised market.
“Once a new shirt front partner is selected and takes on this role, TeamViewer will continue as a valued member of Manchester United’s suite of global partners, providing Manchester United with remote connectivity solutions, until the end of the original contract term in 2026.
“Since July 2021, TeamViewer has benefitted from unparalleled global exposure as the most talked-about shirt front partner in world football, following the most visible launch for a football club partner in the digital era.
“TeamViewer’s financial commitments to Manchester United remain unchanged whilst they remain the club’s shirt front partner, after which their financial commitments will reflect their status as a global partner.
“No further announcement will be made until Manchester United has selected a new partner to replace them on the front of its iconic shirt.”
The Glazers have owned the club for the past 17 years, during much of which the supporters have staged protests against the Americans.
They disclosed last month that they are “exploring strategic alternatives” for financing the club, including the possibility of a full sale.
Amazon and Apple, two titans of the tech industry, have both been mentioned as potential buyers for the Premier League team that hasn’t claimed the championship in almost a decade.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the richest man in Britain, has also been mentioned as a potential buyer once more, particularly because he was a United fan growing up, even though he has objected to the price.
Ten Hag’s team is in for an interesting time on the field, particularly now that Cristiano Ronaldo has left the World Cup.