Man United secure deal with Chinese drinks firm

Manchester: Manchester United have announced a new three-year sponsorship deal with Chinese soft-drinks manufacturer Wahaha.

The deal could help the English Premier League giant expand their appeal in a country where they are thought to have 108 million fans. The company has been China's largest beverage producer for the past 11 years and becomes United's first official soft-drinks partner.

United commercial director Richard Arnold described the sponsorship as the "first ... of its kind in China," adding "we are delighted to be able to work with a company which, like Manchester United, is dedicated to innovation and leadership in its field."

United have fostered a strong fan base in China in recent years, visiting the country 11 times to play friendlies since 1975.