Manchester United could cash in if AIG's £56 million shirt sponsorship deal collapses.

Simon Chadwick, professor of sports business strategy at Coventry University, believes the club could even benefit if they have to find a new sponsor given that as Barclays Premier League and European champions their value is at an all-time high.

Chadwick told the Daily Mail: "Shirt sponsorship values appear to be holding their own well in the Premier League and also in Germany.

"It may be an issue outside the Premier League but my view is that if Manchester United do have to find a new sponsor, they would almost certainly pay as much and quite probably more.

"United are currently European champions and Premier League champions, so they could not be in a better position.

"The issue for United would be finding the right sponsor with a global operation as a partner, to give the club global coverage, something AIG does perfectly at the moment."