They might have only finished fourth in the Premier League, but Manchester United officially have the biggest brand in football (sorry TClevz23).
The Brand Finance list values United at more than $1.2bn, seeing them leapfrog Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to claim first place.
You’re probably wondering what their secret is. Thankfully, JOE has delved deep into the star names and unsung heroes that helped the football giants cement their place at the top.
Bulova – Official timekeeping partner
As the last line of defence, you need perfect timing to know when to stay on your line and when to close down the goalkeeper.
Narrowing the angle is key, and Bulova watches have regular experience of this, consistently narrowing the angle between 11:30 and 11:55 each day.
Wahaha – Official soft drinks partner (China); Chi – Official soft drinks partner (Nigeria)
The full-backs need plenty of energy, especially in United’s traditionally attacking 4-4-2 setup.
Expect the drinks producers to get up and down the wings all game and fizz in juicy crosses for the front two to lap up.
Portugal Telecom – Official broadcast partner (Portugal)
An experienced name, Portugal Telecom has been in the game for more than 20 years.
It can bring expertise of European football through its sponsorship of Benfica and is a great reader of the game, as can be seen in its skilful use of subtitles.
DHL – Official logistics partner
Sure, those last-gasp sliding tackles look good on TV, but the sign of a truly great centre-back is being in the right place already so there’s no need to play the hero.
DHL’s inclusion over other partners comes down to its ability to make a great delivery at any time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur8bM1Fq0tY
Federal – Official tyre partner (Taiwan and Russia)
United’s success in the early Premier League years came largely off the back of young English talent and an enigmatic Frenchman, but they couldn’t have done it without an unsung hero from Eastern Europe.
Comparisons between Andrei Kanchelskis and the Taiwan-founded tyre company with a strong Russian presence will surely only grow (until Federal signs a multi-million pound deal with Everton, presumably.)
Eurofood – Official confectionery partner (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam)
Versatility is key in helping build a footballing powerhouse, and what better display of an adaptable option than a company whose partnership encompasses five countries?
With marshmallows and biscuits among Eurofood’s output, it’s a great wafer United to break down opposition defences.
Manda – Official nutritional supplements partner (Japan)
The engine room is the most important part of the pitch for Manchester United, who have a reputation to uphold.
With opponents employing creative new tactics in the middle of the park, it is important that United keep pace with 21st-century methods and keep a proper nutritional balance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxoelOxasww
Abengoa – Official sustainable technology partner
Renewable resources like Nevilles and Da Silvas have served the Manchester club well in the past, and could provide the midfield quick-fix that has been the preferred option of late.
With no apparent danger of throwing phones out of windows or leaving for Juventus due to a lack of respect, they could be on to a winner here.
Ottogi – Official ready meal partner (Korea)
While there’s plenty to be said for a long-term project paying off, a quick-fix can be just as effective – just look at Robin van Persie.
You know what you’re getting with ready meals, and that’s always a good thing to be able to fall back on.
Aeroflot – Official carrier
When your team hits a rough patch, sometimes it helps to have a forward capable of carrying the team, and who better for this role than an official carrier?
You could call it a cop-out, but United are the biggest brand in football so who are we to argue?
