Manchester United hungry to win with Japanese noodle maker sponsorship deal
Manchester United may have been waiting for Louis van Gaal to begin work as the club's new manager before getting down to the real business of the transfer market, but they've certainly been busy signing up sponsors.
After announcing a blockbuster £750m kit deal with German sportswear giant Adidas on Monday, the Red Devils today said they had reached an agreement with Japanese noodle maker Nissin.
The international food brand will become a global partner of the club and plans to produce Nissin and Manchester United branded food products for sale across the globe in the first year of the partnership, as well as launching a unique campaign linking the club with its products.
Nissin branding will also be visible on stadium advertising boards at Old Trafford, as well as official publications, MUTV, the club's official television channel, and the official website.
According to the Mirror's calculations, the deal makes Nissin Manchester United's 29th official sponsor. Following on from Monday's Adidas deal, the most lucrative kit sponsorship in world football, this agreement further demonstrates that the iconic Premier League club's commercial appeal is hardly waning, despite an uncertain period on the pitch due to a disappointing season after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
United also have a new shirt sponsor this season, with US car maker Chevrolet paying £53m a season to have its logo emblazoned on the club's jersey.
"We are delighted to welcome Nissin into our family of global partners, said Manchester United managing director Richard Arnold. "Nissin has a proven record of supporting leading sports organisations, making them a fitting global partner for Manchester United."
International food brand Nissin is famous for the instant noodles invented by its founder Momofuku Ando, who developed the convenience food as an answer to food rationing after the second World War, is believed to be paying Manchester United £7-10m a year for the deal and is expected to last at least three seasons.
The deal was part of a Nissin strategy to collaborate with athletes and sports teams to promote their brand.
"Our slogan for this project is 'Hungry to win', said company chief executive Koki Ando.
"We strongly believe we can 'ignite a spirit of challenge across the world' by our partnership with Manchester United who is the best in the world in name and in reality."