Manchester United's new partner TeamViewer did not table the highest offer for sponsorship, managing director Richard Arnold has revealed, as the club chief insisted that the new partnership with the unknown brand brings the club something 'way beyond money'.
The Premier League side were on the hunt for a new front of shirt sponsor after Chevrolet announced it would not be renewing their deal with United after a seven year association.
The Red Devils have this week struck up a five-year deal worth a massive £235m - the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in Premier League history - with remote software company TeamViewer.
Despite the new deal smashing the top flight's record, Arnold has revealed that other potential suitors made greater offers for their brand to be etched on United's jersey, but felt on balance that the tech firm brought more to the table.
'They weren't the highest bidder,' Arnold said. 'What they bring to us is way beyond money.'
He sees TeamViewer as helping to engage with fans who have been unable to attend matches over the last year while United briefly mounted its first credible title bid since last winning the Premier League in 2013.
'It's the biggest economic recession since economic records began, It's just an incredible year of challenge, uncertainty, and difficulty.'
The deal is believed to be similar to Barcelona's reported 55 million euros (£47million) per season deal with Rakuten, making the TeamViewer agreement the biggest shirt-only deal in the Premier League.
TeamViewer have a blue logo, but that will be switched to white when etched onto United's red kit next season.
The firm's chief executive Oliver Steil said: 'We are very excited about this partnership, as it will significantly expand our brand positioning and it will help us to market our comprehensive solutions portfolio to all customer segments globally.
'With Manchester United and TeamViewer, two global winning teams join forces: Together as Team United we can bring the fan experience in the legendary Theatre of Dreams to a new level.
'We are extremely proud Manchester United picked us as partner in their ongoing technology journey.'
United fans had held slim hopes of clinching their first league title since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, but have since seen local rivals City storm to an almost unassailable lead at the top of the table.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has United well placed to ensure qualification for Champions League football next season, and while he has overseen frustratingly inconsistent spells of form, the Norwegian retains the full support of the club's hierarchy.
'Ole is the ultimate exemplar of ... someone in Manchester United who has tremendous character, is incredibly well connected with the culture and history of the club,' Arnold added.
'No one in the world is happier than me with the phenomenal success he is bringing.
'When you're inside (the club) and you are seeing the work of the man and the character, it just makes you so happy. He deserves to succeed, and he is, and that makes me very happy.'
United will also hope some fans can return to Old Trafford before the end of the season in May for the first time since March 2020. A full return of matchday revenue is expected from the start of next season in August thanks to the vaccine rollout in the U.K. going better and faster than expected.
The closure of stadiums to supporters contributed to United's revenue dropping 7% year-on-year to 281.8 million pounds in the six months to Dec. 31.
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