United and City competing off the pitch too

BOTH of the city’s Premiership football clubs have announced business partnerships with international corporations.

United has teamed up with logistics company DHL in a £40m deal the club’s training kit sponsorship, whilst City has formed a partnership with global online betting and entertainment firm Mansion Group, thought to be worth up to £3m.

“Manchester City has huge ambitions and an ever growing international fan base, which makes Asia a key market for the club."

DHL will become United’s first training kit sponsor. The company’s logo will be included on the club’s training kit worn by all first, reserve and youth team players during domestic competitions.

The four-year deal builds upon the relationship between the club and DHL which has been the club’s logistics partner for a year and recently supported the club on its pre-season tour of the United States.

United chief executive, David Gill, said the deal had 'broken new ground in the English game'.  

City's will be working with Mansion to extend its sporting brand into key territories in Asia over the next two years.

Ian Cafferky, chief brand & commercial officer for Manchester City said: “Manchester City has huge ambitions and an ever growing international fan base, which makes Asia a key market for the Club. Renowned for its love of football, Asia has enormous potential for the future and we are delighted to increase our brand presence in the region.”

United recently announced it would list its shares on the Singapore Stock Exchange to raise both capital and profile in Asia. The move expects to deliver around £600m for the club and value the company at more than £2bn.

Manchester City recently finalised a 10-year shirt and stadium sponsorship deal with Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi state airline.