United not about to lose their shirts

Manchester United could end up as winners even if their shirt sponsor, AIG, goes bust, according to football finance experts.

AIG, the biggest insurance company in the United States, is facing an uncertain future after its share value fell by 50 per cent on the New York Stock Exchange. However, United are confident that their record £56.5 million shirt sponsorship deal will be unaffected by the turmoil.

Simon Chadwick, professor of sports business strategy at Coventry University, said: “If Manchester United do have to find a new sponsor, it would almost certainly pay as much and probably more. United are European champions and Premier League champions, so they could not be in a better position.”

Ancelotti stays put

Carlo Ancelotti, who almost joined Chelsea in the summer, has kept his job as coach of AC Milan despite his team’s poor start to the Italian league season. Ancelotti was summoned to a meeting with his employers yesterday. “It went well,” he said.

Agger still wanted

Liverpool could offer Daniel Agger a new contract to counter the threat of the Denmark defender leaving. Agger has made one appearance in the past year, mainly because of a foot injury, and has grown disillusioned by a lack of opportunities since regaining fitness.

Mourinho uproar

José Mourinho, the Inter Milan coach, has ruffled feathers in Italy by criticising Catania before and after his team’s 2-1 victory over their Serie A rivals on Saturday. “Mourinho deserves a smack in the mouth,” Pietro Lo Monaco, the Catania director, said.

Number of the day: 5 - League managers who have left their job in the past 15 days, after Alan Buckley’s dismissal by Grimsby Town yesterday.

Kuszczak extends deal

Tomasz Kuszczak, the Manchester United second-choice goalkeeper, has signed a two-year contract extension through to 2012. The 26-year-old, who moved to United from West Bromwich Albion in August 2006, said: “This shows the trust and support that I have from the club and Sir Alex Ferguson.”

Pijpers pays the price

Arno Pijpers has been sacked as coach of Kazakhstan, who are in England’s qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup, after back-to-back defeats by Croatia and Ukraine. “How long should we endure it?” Sayan Khamitzhanov, the Kazakhstan FA secretary general, said.

And finally . . .

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, the former Chelsea and Holland forward, has announced his retirement. Humphrey Nijman, Hasselbaink’s agent, said that the 36-year-old, whose contract was not renewed by Cardiff City, will study for his coaching qualifications in England. “He had offers to play in the Middle East, which he didn’t want to do,” Nijman said.