ManU Defends Recent Sponsorship Influx With 13.7% Commercial Revenue Increase

ManU has "dismissed suggestions" it has diluted its brand by announcing several new sponsorship deals, according to the AFP. Just last week, ManU signed agreements with Chinese companies Wahaha and China Construction Bank, as well as a three-year deal with Japanese paint manufacturer Kansai Paint. A shirt sponsorship deal with Chevrolet "is also due to begin next year." The "income from sponsors has helped the 19-time English champions establish themselves as one of the richest teams in world sport." The club's most recent annual results revealed a 13.7% rise in commercial revenue up to A$117.6M ($123.1M). ManU Marketing Manager Jonathan Rigby said that such figures demonstrate the club is "not over-extending" itself by signing multiple sponsorship deals. Rigby said, "In fact, we see the opposite. We see a fan base that is growing, we see engagement levels growing, we see viewing figures continuing to grow" (AFP, 1/25).