Manchster United's Debt Doesn't Impact Sponsorship

Manchester United continue to gain popularity and sign sponsorship deals regardless of it's financial situation.

This proves the strength of the United brand and its growing interest from companies from across the globe.

MTN - Telecommunications

The latest sponsorship deals to be concluded was that of MTN, a South African-based telecommunications provider.

The deal is a three-and-a-half partnership between MTN and Manchester United.

MTN will now have the rights to Manchester United branding and association in Southern Africa.

"The partnership with MTN is a very important step in the club's plan to get closer to its fans based all over the world. MTN's strength, particularly in the pre-paid market will provide us with the perfect platform to achieve that." said David Gill (United Chief Executive)

With MTN as one of the official World Cup sponsors, they will look to emphasize their dominance in the African market with such a powerful partnership.

Zunaid Bulbulia , Chief Finance Officer for MTN, said: "We think this is the perfect partnership as it will give United the opportunity to reach millions of fans in Africa, and for us it’s the perfect vehicle to extend our investment in football beyond the World Cup.

"It also enables us to combine the activities of the Manchester United Foundation and the MTN South Africa Foundation to reach out to impoverished communities who would otherwise not get the opportunity to meet and be coached by international footballers.

"We’re very excited about this aspect. In South Africa, we have a word for trying to capture that excitement. We call it 'Ayoba', which means ‘sweet.’"

Sir Bobby Charlton , the United legend said: "I’m delighted to welcome MTN to our club. The fact we have sponsors in various parts of the globe and millions of fans in different countries makes me feel quite proud. But it’s not a surprise to me because ever since I was a player here, I’ve always been well aware that our fans are everywhere in the world.” at the launch.

Concha-Y-Toro - Wine

The second deal to be concluded was that of South American wine company Concha-Y-Toro, they have signed a three-year deal as the official wine of Manchester United.

Ferguson has this to say regarding the deal: "Like United, it's a company with a lot of history that, while never afraid to change, has always kept hold of its roots," he said. "This is a partnership that unites the two great passions in Latin America: football and wine. I'm looking forward to it."

"We intend to activate the partnership in a variety of ways around the world, using strategies and tactics which best suit each market." said Giancarlo Bianchetti (Marketing Brand, Concha-Y-Toro)

An official partnership launch, attended by Sir Alex and members of the United first team, will take place at Old Trafford in August.

These partnerships shows the globalisation of the United brand and also the interest from businesses who seek to be associated with the brand. While many feel United will fall on it's head due to it's financial burdens, on the contrary, they seem to be growing faster.