United Welcome Zong

Manchester United has signed a three-year partnership with Zong, one of Pakistan’s leading mobile telecoms companies.

The deal will give the club’s estimated 10million fans in Pakistan a chance to see all the goals scored, as well as exclusive interviews, news and behind-the-scenes access from Old Trafford, bringing them closer to United than ever before.

Reds commercial director Richard Arnold welcomed Zong and said he felt the company would be a "great partner" for United in Pakistan.

"It is a relatively young company but has ambitions to be one of the major players in the country," Arnold said. "Partnering with United will give them high visibility, as well as helping the club to communicate directly with millions of our supporters there.

"Using our digital assets to engage our global fanbase is an increasingly-important part of our commercial strategy and we are very excited about the possibilities presented by this partnership."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he uses his mobile phone on a daily basis to keep up-to-date with football news and results and joined Arnold in welcoming Zong into the United family.

“The way the club uses modern technology to reach our millions of fans around the world is outstanding. Zong will be a key player in allowing us to bring the passion and excitement of Manchester United to our fans in Pakistan.”

Zong's director of advertising and promotions, Rizwan Akhter, described the partnership as unique and anticipates a bright future for all concerned.

“This partnership is one-of-a-kind coming from Pakistan and the initiative that Zong has taken to team up with a giant like Manchester United will only lead to prosperity, growth and triumph. For all the glory that is to come, we stand united, to take on all opportunities and victories together as one. Today, we play for the same team!”

Zong chief financial officer Feng Tuixian added: “We see ourselves as an integral part of peoples’ lives, providing support to over 12million subscribers. We help them in their business or at work, bringing friends and families closer together, providing quality moments of leisure and recreation while remaining at the cutting-edge of technology.

“We share Manchester United’s commitment to be the best among competitors. I am sure this is the start of something very big indeed.”