Manchester United unveil German signing to drive US tour
Manchester United has announced that DHL will sponsor its summer tour of the US. The operator – already the football club’s ‘Official Courier and Logistics Partner’ – is a division of Deutsche Post DHL.
DHL will receive branding and advertising opportunities, as well as providing logistic services and ensuring the team is delivered to each game in a company branded bus.
Lasting three weeks, the tour will travel to Boston, Seattle, Chicago, New Jersey and Washington DC, giving the team an opportunity to play in front of US fans.
Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson (pictured) said: “The team is really looking forward to going back to the US. The tour is great preparation for the season and the facilities over there are fantastic. I’m looking forward to some good football and the chance to meet our fans in the US.”
The tour – spanning five matches – kicks-off with a game against New England Revolution on 13 July in Boston.
Finally, the English champions come up against Barcelona on 30 July – a rematch of last month’s Champions League Final when they were outclassed by the Catalans in a 3-1 defeat at Wembley.
Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express US said: “Our sponsorship of the Manchester United USA Tour 2011 provides an outstanding opportunity to promote DHL’s brand in major US markets and reinforce DHL as the specialists in International.
“We’re excited to team up with Manchester United, a truly global sports brand whose international footprint mirrors our own.”
Manchester United’s commercial director, Richard Arnold added: “We already have a fantastic relationship with DHL and so we are delighted that they have decided to specifically target this important market and create a unique marketing platform by becoming the title sponsor of our summer tour.”
The full fixture list:
13 July v New England Revolution, Boston
20 July v Seattle Sounders, Seattle
23 July v Chicago Fire, Chicago
27 July v MLS All Stars, New Jersey
30 July v Barcelona, Washington DC