THE serious fraud office has launched an inquiry into suspected financial irregularities in the UK branch of Manchester United shirt sponsor the American International Group (AIG).

THE serious fraud office has launched an inquiry into suspected financial irregularities in the UK branch of Manchester United shirt sponsor the American International Group (AIG).

Suspected illegal transactions at AIG Financial Products Corporation, a subsidiary of AIG, will be the focus of the preliminary inquiry.

AIG is one of the world's biggest insurance and financial services organisations with operations in more than 130 countries.

The parent company signed a record four-year �56 million shirt sponsorship deal with Manchester United Football Club several years ago.