Virgin Money has introduced the Double Champions Bond, which offers a 1 per cent fixed rate, plus a bonus if Manchester United has a successful season.
The Manchester United bond features a double-interest bonus of 3 per cent, which will be paid if the Premier League football club wins the title and the FA Cup final next season.
Investors can open an account with £1 via the Virgin Money website, or at the company’s high street stores.
Subscribers also have the chance to win a range of prizes, including match-day tickets for games at Old Trafford and signed replica team shirts via the United Rewards incentive scheme.
The more people save with the bond the greater the chances of winning a prize.
Account holders will receive ten entries a month for the United Rewards prize draw, plus an additional entry per £50 balance each month, based on the average balance in the month.
Rajesh Ahuja, savings director at Virgin Money, said: “With a competitive rate of interest, plus the potential for an additional double-interest bonus if Manchester United wins the league and Emirates FA Cup, we expect the new Double Champions Bond to be really popular ahead of the start of the new season.”
Seb Halstead, marketing executive and a Blackburn Rovers supporter at Manchester-based Pareto Financial Planning, said: “I think this is a very nice idea. It plays on club loyalty and at a time when interest rates are so low it is a good way to entice people into saving and investing.
“I wouldn’t like to comment on the underlying benefits of the bond, but perhaps it is a good option if you want to secure a 1 per cent return on your savings. And, who knows, United could win the double, which will be fantastic news for Manchester United supporters.”
