Manchester United agree five year deal with Chevrolet

Chevrolet has agreed a five-year partnership to become Manchester United’s official automotive partner.

The U.S.-based car manufacturer has pledged that fans will be at the heart of the sponsorship, with a constant focus on bringing the club's supporters and football fans around the world closer to the game than ever before.

Details of the global partnership were due to be announced at a celebration event at the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum at 20:00 local time (13:00 BST) on Thursday.

United’s chief executive David Gill said: "Although part of two very different industries, Chevrolet and Manchester United share many of the same values.

"Like the club, it is steeped in history, having recently celebrated its centenary, and it has also grown to be a global brand, selling cars in more than 140 countries.

"Above all, it, too, strives to be the best in its field and I am delighted to welcome Chevrolet as our official automotive partner."

Richard Arnold, United’s commercial director, said: "With 659 million United fans and followers around the world, the commitment that Chevrolet is making to football and its plans to bring these fans closer to our club is very exciting for us.

"This is also the first time we have teamed up with a U.S. automotive partner and with the growing popularity of the club and English football in America, we are hoping the relationship will allow us to further expand our fan base in the country."

General Motors’ global chief marketing officer Joel Ewanick added: "Manchester United has some of the most passionate supporters of any sporting club in the world.

"The Chevrolet family is proud to partner with Manchester United and is fully committed to putting these fans at the centre of everything we do."

United’s head of marketing Jonathan Rigby said: "The plans and ideas we have for the partnership are truly refreshing and the benefits will be seen at the grass-roots level among our substantial fanbase as well as football fans generally.

"Chevrolet and Manchester United are two well-known, powerful brands with a worldwide audience and we are looking forward to working with Chevrolet to put together some unique global fan initiatives for the forthcoming season."