Man U fans group agrees Sharp sponsorship
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Fans pressure group Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) says it wants to build partnerships with brands looking to “connect directly with fans” after Sharp agreed to sponsor the latest alternative team shirt.
The group, which wants to force a change of ownership of the club, wants Sharp to be part of a portfolio of alternative partners keen to align themselves with fans rather than the club’s owner, the Glazer family.
Manchester-based consumer and professional electronics maker Sharp, which sponsored Manchester United from 1982 to 2000, will lend its name to a new alternative green and gold team shirt. Proceeds from the sale of the shirts will go to the Prostate Cancer Charity.
Must hopes that the shirt and other alternative merchandise will take revenue away from the club’s current owner. MUST is angry at the £700m debt the US family has saddled the club with.
As well as signing alternative backers, the group will continue to lobby official sponsors such as Aon and Nike.
A spokesman for the group says: “In effect we’re asking them [existing sponsors] and potential sponsors to choose between the fans or the Glazers.”
The Sharp partnership follows a recent agreement with another former Manchester United sponsor Betfred.
The green and gold top is the second alternative team shirt to be released. Proceeds from the first went to the British Heart Foundation.
Readers' comments (2)
Antray Lee | Wed, 3 Nov 2010 2:31 pm
Wow. This is a superb example of fan power. It really does exist and in a world of social media, its power could be incredible. Well done to MUST for following a passionate objective not just for Manchester United fans but also for charity!
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Andrew Slater | Tue, 9 Nov 2010 3:47 pm
It appears that MUST, despite opposing United's ownership, have learned a lot from their club, with big sponsorship deals such as Betfred and Sharp. Both of these sponsors have a big history with the club, and tie in well with the MUST cause. I agree with Antray, the fact the proceeds are going to charity is a real plus, and shows football fans in a good light for a change.
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