DHL is showcasing its new relationship as Manchester United’s Official Courier and LogisticsPartner as the title sponsor of the club’s summer tour of the United States.
The tour, lasting three weeks, will take in Boston, Seattle, Chicago, New Jersey and WashingtonDC, and gives the team a great opportunity to play in front of US fans. Manchester United will playfive matches in the USA between July 13 and 30, culminating in a match in Washington againstBarcelona, to whom they lost this year’s Champions League final last month.
Through the title sponsorship, DHL secured rights including player and club legendappearances, tickets, hospitality, branding and advertising opportunities. DHL will also bring itsunrivalled logistical expertise to ensure the team is delivered to each game in a DHL-branded bus.
Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, said: “The team is really looking forwardto going back to the US. The tour is great preparation for the season and the facilities over thereare fantastic. I’m looking forward to some good football and the chance to meet our fans in theUS.”
Manchester United’s Commercial Director, Richard Arnold, added: “We already have afantastic relationship with DHL and so we are delighted that they have decided to specificallytarget this important market and create a unique marketing platform by becoming the title sponsorof our summer tour. Respected and trusted around the world, DHL shares our commitment to deliveringexcellence and I’m certain having them on board will help make this tour a great success.”
Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express USA, said: “Our sponsorship of the Manchester United USA Tour2011 provides an outstanding opportunity to promote DHL’s brand in major US markets and reinforceDHL as the specialists in International. We’re excited to team up with Manchester United, a trulyglobal sports brand whose international footprint mirrors our own.”
In February, DHL signed a three-year partnership agreement with Manchester United Football Club,becoming its official logistics supplier and a key sponsor. The deal also involves DHL playing aleading role in the work of the Manchester United Foundation, developing a series of programmes toimprove the lives of vulnerable young people.
