Manchester United have agreed a British record £56.5million shirt sponsorship deal with US finance giant American International Group (AIG).

United chief executive David Gill confirmed the four-year deal, which dwarfs the £10million-a-season contract Premiership champions Chelsea have with Samsung, at Old Trafford this lunchtime.

Although the figure is less than Gibraltar-based gaming company Mansion were prepared to pay, there were widespread concerns within club circles about being linked so heavily with a gambling organisation.