February 12 – Vodafone Signs Manchester United

After 18 years with Sharp as their team jersey sponsor, Manchester United decided to make a change on the front of their jersey when they signed with Vodafone on this day in soccer history in 2000.The $48 millions deal was the most lucrative in British soccer at the time and took the bidding for top team jerseys by prominent companies to a new level. The deal was extended and reached the $15.5 millions per year but eventually replaced after the 2005/06 campaign by AIG.Wear your passion for the Red Devils! The World Soccer Shop has the best selection of officially licensed Manchester United soccer jerseys and other gear.At the time the agreement with Vodafone was the 5th most lucrative in European football. Juventus led the way with their sponsorship of Tamoil SA at $26 million per year followed by Real Mardid’s Siemens’ deal, Bayern Munich’s T-Mobile and Chelsea’s Samsung.The move came at a difficult time for the Red Devils. Long time captain Roy Keane was on the outs while American investor Malcolm Glazer was on the way in after a $1.4. billion hostile purchase of the team.The announcement ended the sponsorship two years early by mutual agreement."The Manchester United shirt is the most iconic in sport,” United commercial director Andy Anson said. "The club feels that in the current market there is a genuine chance to attract significant additional investment."