Manchester United Dropping Sponsor 18 Months Early After Russia Invasion Of Ukraine

Manchester United look set to miss out on millions of pounds in sponsorship money, as they discuss dropping a sponsor 18 months early.

United have confirmed that they will be reviewing their partnership with Russian airline Aeroflot, following Thursday's declaration of war on Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The club usually fly to their European games with Aeroflot under an agreement with the company, but changed their travel plan for Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid due to sanctions by the UK government on Russia.

At the time the Premier League club said they would continue their relationship with the company but Thursday's actions seem to have changed that.

However the club are now set to end their deal with the Russian airline, after a review, even though the deal isn't set to end until summer 2023.

United have often flown with Aeroflot. Image: PA Images

The club have been sponsored by Aeroflot since 2013, and extended the partnership in 2017, in a deal worth around £40 million altogether.

United's new CEO Richard Arnold, who took over from Ed Woodward at the beginning of the year, has no intention of renewing with the company.

The club are aware of the damage the deal could have to its image and commercial appeal if it continued to be associated with Russia, following the invasion on Ukraine.

There could also be legal issues if the US puts sanctions on Russian countries, with the Glazers involvement in United meaning the club's owners could be in serious trouble.

United didn't fly Aeroflot to Madrid. Image: PA Images

The club will now likely be looking for a new airline to enter into a sponsorship with, to become the club's official carriers, with the Mirror claiming Qatar Airways could be a possibility, which has its own issues.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been condemned by all corners, with Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko speaking out against Putin, saying he hoped the Russian politician 'died a painful death.'

Football has been affected by the invasion, with the Champions League final set to be moved, with Russia currently planned to host UEFA's annual showpiece event.

The European governing body will meet on Friday to discuss the issue, though it's not expected that a new host will be decided so soon.