Man United staring down £10m loss as deal taking 'longer than ever before'
Manchester United's lack of a sleeve sponsor on their new shirts could cost them £10million in revenue for the 2026-27 campaign.
That is according to former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Red Devils have never found it so difficult to strike sponsorship deals.
This comes after the club's four-year partnership with DXC Technology expired at the end of last season, with the Old Trafford commercial team still hunting for a replacement.
Borson believes that United will ultimately get a deal in place, but has warned that any agreement would come at a reduced fee, because the new partner would not be getting the benefit of a full season of exposure.
He revealed that the issue could leave a £10m hole in their finances for the season, if they cannot get a deal over the line in the coming weeks.
Michael Carrick's side also recently received a slap on the wrist from the Premier League after failing to show the league's logo on their sleeve in the clash against Hull City, which is a league requirement for teams without a sleeve sponsor.
Man United face all-time difficulty
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson explained how United are finding it more difficult than ever before to replace their sponsors once deals have expired.
"Well, it's a slightly tricky market, and it's definitely taken United longer to find replacements for deals that have expired than ever before," he said.
"But it remains one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League on a global basis. So I think they'll get there. But last season, they had to go the whole season without a training kit sponsor.
"Which was a bit of a hole in the profit and loss. It's probably a £20m quid hole, but they've managed to fill that now with a high-quality brand in Betway.
"I think they'll fill it, but clearly once the season starts, the value that you can achieve is less and the risk that nobody's going to take it for part of the season increases.
"It's probably £10m down. That's all. Not having it, it's not that big a deal. But yeah, they'll fill it. It's just a case of when."
Bruno Fernandes' new contract stance revealed
Football Insider revealed on Saturday that Bruno Fernandes is happy to engage in talks over a new long-term contract at United.
The Portuguese star is out of contract at Old Trafford next summer, although the club do hold the option to extend his current deal by a further year.
Sources say that United have plans in place for talks with the midfielder in the coming months, and are keen to tie him down amid interest from clubs in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
United remain hugely pleased with Fernandes, and are prepared to offer him a pay rise as part of any agreement.