Richard Branson joins Man U, poses with jersey (photos)

Well not as a player though! Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group of companies today joined the growing list (69 as at last count) of companies/partners associated with Man U. Richard Branson's Virgin money has signed a four-year deal to become 'Official Retail Financial Services Partner' at Britain's biggest club.

Virgin is the 15th financial partner United have on their ever-growing books, with 69 businesses/brands from across the world linked to the club with multi million pounds commercial deals.

These multimillion deals have helped profits soar, with United posting records results back in February. Man U hopes to become the first British club in history to earn more than £500million in a year. Branson, pictured signing a shirt, said to manure.com: 'Virgin and Manchester United have very similar philosophies – we both want to change the game, not just play it.

'The two coming together under this new partnership with Virgin Money will create something really special.' United managing director Richard Arnold added: 'This exciting partnership brings together for the first time two iconic brands, two industry leaders who have never been afraid of entering into new territory.

'I have every confidence the values we share will make this partnership a great success, above all for our loyal fans, who will soon be introduced to a range of products that will bring them even closer to the club they support.'