With current Manchester United sponsor Vodafone ditching its sponsorship of the Red Devils after the end of this Premiership season, the club’s new owners have been looking for a new high-tech sponsor.

It’s been a rough year for ManU’s supporters. The club sits ten points behind Chelsea in the Premiership table, longtime midfield fixture Roy Keane departed Old Trafford in acrimonious fashion, and one of the greatest players ever to play for the side (not to mention in the world), George Best, finally succumbed to the demons of alcoholism.

Now comes the news that global cellphone giant Vodafone wants nothing to do with ManU or new owners the Glazer family when this season ends.

The Glazers have been courting several high-tech companies to replace Vodafone, and Google and Yahoo have been on that list along with IBM. A CNet News report on the deal claims the current Vodafone deal is worth $15.5 million to the club.

That money would get Yahoo or Google five or six 30-second ad spots during the Super Bowl. A sponsorship linkup with ManU would put the sponsor’s name in front of a huge global following for an entire Premiership season, plus likely berths in European competition.

To understand the popularity of Manchester United, and why big names like Google or Yahoo would be interested, consider that only the New York Yankees have similar recognition around the world.

David Utter is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business. Email him here.