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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Josh O'Brien

Man Utd remove Aeroflot signage from Old Trafford after ditching £40m deal

Manchester United have painted over the huge Aeroflot logo that could once be seen in the Old Trafford car park after ending their sponsorship deal with the Russian airline.

The club took the decision to part ways with the company - ending the deal that was thought to be worth around £40m in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The airways company is the national airline of Russia and has been described as the “official carrier” of United on the club’s website.

United's partnership with Aeroflot was under intense scrutiny given the events in Ukraine and prompted fans to contact the club.

The club responded by informing supporters that it "does not take positions on geopolitical issues."

"Thank you for your email regarding the club’s partnership with Aeroflot," the United email read, as per the Manchester Evening News.

"Our commercial partnership agreements are between Manchester United and the brands involved, not with any individual owner or related parties.

"In relation to the specific situation referred to in your email, we hope you can understand that, as a football club with fans from many different countries and cultures, Manchester United does not take positions on geopolitical issues.

The contract between United and the Russian company was scheduled to expire in 2023, but the Red Devils hierarchy have called time on it a year early.

Any trace of Aeroflot sponsorship around the club's facilities has since been removed including the logo that was adorned the tarmac of the stadium car park.

Aeroflot flights are currently banned from entering British airspace after a decision was taken by the British government in response to Vladimir Putin's act of war.

A United spokesperson confirmed: "In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot's sponsorship rights.

"We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected."

United first teamed up with the company back in 2013, before renewing the deal in 2017.

As a result of the contract's termination, United are now exploring potential candidates for new sponsorship roles and Qatar Airways are thought to be in the running.

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