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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Manchester United Unvealed New Sponsor

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Reds announce new sponsor

Hublot - the Swiss manufacturer of prestige watches – has become the official timekeeper to Manchester United in a multi-million pound, three-year sponsorship deal.

It's the fourth sponsor to commit to United since the summer, following in the footsteps of Saudi Telecom, Seoul Metropolitan Government and Budweiser’s deal renewal. It's a sign, United chief executive David Gill says, of United's commercial standing.

“We are in difficult economic times, but this deal shows that there are still deals to be done,” he told MUTV. “It’s not to say that football is not going to be impacted by that. But if you can combine the strength of a brand like Manchester United and a company like Hublot then you have got a wonderful combination.”

Hublot, which produced the official watches for Euro 2008, announced the deal at a press conference at Old Trafford on Thursday, attended by David Gill, manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and FIFPro World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We’re delighted to welcome such a prestigious partner as Hublot to Manchester United,” added Gill. “Their reputation for excellence and innovation makes them a fitting and exciting sponsor. Sir Alex is well known as a stickler for timekeeping on and off the pitch - now we have a partner that shares his passion!”

Jean-Claude Biver, chief executive of Hublot, described it as an “extraordinary partnership”. “Manchester United is the number one club in the world. We’re very proud to be the official timekeeper of the most prestigious football club in the world.”
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Sir Alex assures Tevez

Carlos Tevez has been reassured he remains an integral cog in the United machine, despite earning his only start in October against West Ham on Wednesday.

Sir Alex admitted that Tevez began to tire in the second half of the 2-1 win over Gianfranco Zola's men, something he put down to the forward's lack of starts in the last month.

In his United Review programme notes before the game, Sir Alex was keen to stress Tevez's importance to the team.

"Our attackers have been drawing all the attention," he said. "Wayne Rooney is having the time of his life and striking up a fine partnership with Dimitar Berbatov, now coming into his own after his late transfer and missing our pre-season preparation.

"Those are the names on everyone’s lips, and I am as thrilled as anyone by their form. But my thoughts have centred more on the forward who has been the odd man out.

"I'm thinking of Carlos Tevez, and the fact that I have not started him in as many games as he would like. But looking at the big picture, Carlos remains just as important to us as the guys who have been hogging the headlines of late."

Sir Alex last week had a meeting with the Argentina international to reaffirm Tevez's standing at Old Trafford.

"I sat down with Carlos only last week to stress to him that our faith in him is absolute, that he remains a top player in the eyes of myself, the players and our supporters.

"It’s just that three players won’t fit into two positions, and while I am tempted to accommodate all three star forwards, my job is to balance the team."

Incorporating Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo in the same line-up is a difficult - if not altogether inconvenient - challenge for the United boss.

"It could be done against certain opposition," he said. "But it isn’t the real solution and we are doing so well I don’t want to meddle too much.

"I think Carlos understands this – and of course I have explained that when the season really hots up, we’ll need absolutely everyone."
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Ronaldo hammers home title warning

Cristiano Ronaldo received a world player of the year award and Golden Boot before kick-off. Then within half an hour, he showed just why those prestigious trophies will be forcing their way on to his already cluttered mantelpiece. Two first-half goals, a match-winning display and all with the minimum of effort. The world award is from FIFPro decided by 50 players from around the globe — and there is no greater honour than to be recognised by your contemporaries in any trade. Ron was rightly acknowledged with that, while his 31 league goals last season landed the Golden Boot. He received both awards with some humility, aware that many Manchester United fans still see his summer attempts to engineer a move to Real Madrid as treacherous. It was muted cheers at best but the noise level went up when he found the back of the net.
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...