Chevrolet puts its shirt on Man Utd

US car brand Chevrolet is to replace financial services group AON as Manchester United FC’s shirt sponsor after a seven year deal – said to be worth around £28m a year-  was announced.

The deal with Chevrolet – which is part of General Motors – will begin in the the 2014/2015 season. 

Chevrolet, which recently signed a separate deal to become the club’s official car partner, will become only the fifth shirt sponsor in the Club’s 134 year history. Its previous partners were AON, AIG, Vodafone and Sharp.

United’s commercial director, Richard Arnold heralded a “fantastic, long-term deal” and added: “We have been partners with Chevrolet for only six weeks, but already they have produced some fantastic ideas that will benefit both the partnership and our 659 million followers around the world.

“They are a key partner on our current tour and I know they have enjoyed experiencing the buzz generated by our fanatical support and the sell-out crowds in South Africa, China, and Europe.”

Alan Batey, General Motors’ North America Vice President, US Sales and Service said: ““We are extremely proud to connect our brand, Chevrolet, with Manchester United and its passionate supporters all around the world. 

“Manchester United’s statistics are impressive, but this relationship goes far beyond the numbers – this relationship is about connecting our brand with the deep-seated emotion that surrounds the team everywhere it goes.”

Reflecting Manchester United’s international credentials, its last three sponsors have all been major US-based corporates.