Manchester United end Aeroflot sponsorship deal as Ralf Rangnick reacts to Russian invasion
Manchester United have ended their sponsorship deal with Aeroflot following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with interim boss Ralf Rangnick labelling the situation “desperately sad”.
The Red Devils have had a partnership with the Russian airline since 2013, and have regularly flown to European matches on the company’s aircrafts. However, Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine has led United to sever their ties to the company.
A club spokesperson said: “In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot’s sponsorship rights.
“We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected.”
United used charter airline Titan Airways for their Champions League last-16 away leg against Atletico Madrid earlier this week.
The British Government has banned Aeroflot flights to the UK as part of its package of sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.
United interim boss Ralf Rangnick said the situation in Ukraine was “desperately sad”.
“This is just an incredible situation that we have that kind of war within Europe. I think everybody has the same opinion about what’s happening there. Just a human disaster for all the people involved,” he said.
“Right now, as far as I can tell, the situation in Russia and especially in Moscow is still safe, but this doesn’t change anything about the whole situation, which is desperately sad.
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Rangnick aware of importance of Watford game
“When I watch TV in the morning or in the evening I still cannot believe what I see there. This is just a terrible situation and I very, very much hope the politicians all over the world can help to de-escalate the situation and finish with those kind of things that are happening there.”
United host Watford on Saturday and Rangnick knows the importance of the game in the race for the top four.
“It could [be defining in the season], but for us it only makes sense to take one game after the other,” added the German.
“The job is to fully recover from the game the day before yesterday and play to the highest possible level tomorrow at home. Hopefully win the game against Watford and then we have a normal week to prepare for the derby and for Manchester City.”
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