Schmeichel hails revitalised Rashford as United seal record sleeve sponsorship deal

Marcus Rashford has been likened to a new signing by Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel, who described the winger as “one of the top players in the world” when at his best — praise that coincides with the club announcing a record sleeve sponsorship deal with global fintech company SumUp.

Schmeichel was particularly impressed by Rashford’s display in United’s 2-2 draw at Everton, where the hosts were pegged back deep into added time. “Coming away from that game, Rashford is now smelling of roses,” the former goalkeeper told Viaplay. “I thought he was absolutely fantastic.”

Rashford returned to Old Trafford this summer after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona, having failed to secure a permanent move away. Since being reintegrated into head coach Michael Carrick’s squad, the forward has shown flashes of the form that brought him 30 Premier League goals in a single season four years ago.

“It just shows that there’s some intent now for Marcus to go back to what he was for Manchester United four years ago,” Schmeichel added. “He was trying to be dangerous. If that’s what we get for this season, welcome back, Marcus. We have missed you.”

Off the pitch, United have confirmed that SumUp will replace DXC Technology on the club’s first-team shirt sleeves in what the club describes as its biggest ever sleeve sponsorship agreement. The exact financial terms have not been disclosed, though the deal is believed to exceed the value of the club’s recently signed training kit partnership with Betway, which is reported to be worth around £20 million per year.

“The new agreement supports our commercial growth strategy and reflects the continued appeal of Manchester United as a platform for ambitious brands,” said chief business officer Marc Armstrong.

The announcements come as United prepare for their return to the Champions League, with Carrick’s side hosting Azerbaijani club Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday. United enter the competition’s new 36-team league-phase format having secured third place in the Premier League last season, though their domestic form this term has been inconsistent — four points from three games leaves them 11th in the table ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.