Does Uncle Sam now sponsor Manchester United?

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Remember the logo adorning Manchester United's red jerseys? That's right: AIG. Sponsorship of the legendary British soccer team, these days worth about £67 million (down from £75 million last year, thanks again to the credit crunch), belongs to the beleaguered insurance company. That means it now, sort of, belongs to the United States' taxpayers?

Ever since Tony Blair was portrayed as George W. Bush's second coming during his support for the Iraq war, many Britons resented American influence on their country's politics. But this kind-of sponsorship of the flagship football team might just cross the line.

Apparently, Manchester supporters are pragmatists. Oh well! say most fans on RedCafe.net, a Manchester United forum where the topic was heatedly debated. Rather than sweat the details, they had far more fun imagining a new look for the team.