Manchester United have some wonderfully weird business bedfellows on their books
United announced its official partnership with Dublin-based casino games maker Kama Games earlier today. The deal, which will see the games developer launch a series of apps bearing the club's crest, logo, themes etc, caught us somewhat by surprise mainly due to the juxtaposition of professional sports and mobile casino games.
However, after some extensive research, we discovered that the Red Devils have some even more unusual business partners with whom they are still currently affiliated. Here are 14 of the weirdest companies that the club are partnered with, according to their
official website.
Ottogi
"Official ready meal partner for Korea"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJA1q8M7N0I
Nothing says elite athleticism like (presumably) high-sodium ready meals.
Manda
"Official nutritional supplements partner of Manchester United for Japan"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxoelOxasww
In an effort to balance out their endorsement of processed microwaveable meals, the team decided the best course of action was to show the world that the importance of nutrients in a well-balanced diet. To do so, the players appeared in an artsy-looking advertisement where they consumed the world's smallest Frubes.
Cho-A Pharm Co LTD
"Official pharmaceutical partner of Manchester United for Korea and Vietnam"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhmOEoMQBUs
The incredible visuals in this video make it unnecessary for me to explain the context of the clip. Ok, I admit not being able to establish the connection between "HEADing" and pharmaceuticals either.
Aeroflot
"Official carrier of Manchester United"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9__T1nQ4m8
Does anyone else get the vibe that the man playing the role of Overbearingly Affluent Business Man 1 is holding the United team captive aboard a flight into terror? Everything about that stare Ryan Giggs gives screams "help".
Kagome
"Official partner of Manchester United for Japan"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6TbZtZid6M
If you enjoy watching your favourite footballers quaffing tomato juice at an obnoxiously loud level then this is the ad for you.
Apollo Tyres
"Official tyre partner of Manchester United for Europe (excluding Russia), India, The Middle East and Thailand"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vGkvQsrD-8
The concept of using professional footballers to flog tyres is almost as confusing as this ad's sentence fragment slogan. "Performance. There are no shortcuts"... eh, what?
Achilles Radial
"Official tyre partner of Manchester United for Indonesia"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQkziLEKmJA
Death by tyre advertisements. The highlight of this ad is where they imply Ashley Young could out-race a car.
Casillero del Diablo
"Official wine partner of Manchester United"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6MkmonoaSw
At least Wayne Rooney will find solace in the knowledge that if the whole football thing doesn't work out, he's got a promising career in acting to fall back on. The United stalwart is a revelation in this ad. His perfectly nuanced delivery of the line "They say (pause for emphasis/to try to remember the line) he is a legend" makes him the standout performer in this piece.
So much depth, so much raw emotion and feeling that I was moved to tears. 5 stars.
Bulova
"Official timekeeping partner of Manchester United"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmwOj5i4oqk
The word "chronograph" is said so frequently in this short clip that it has now lost all meaning.
Epson
"Official office equipment partner of Manchester United"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFmm_NeUNL0
In a post-apocalyptic world after the inevitable revolt by the androids who evolved from office equipment, only three men can save humanity from floundering in an ink-jet existence. Take that printer people, you can't paper-jam the human spirit!
Bakcell
"Official integrated telecommunications partner of Manchester United for Azerbaijan"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyJLNlG3sTc
Brace yourselves, you're in the presence of greatness. This amazing and definitely not gimmicky in the slightest stand took home the coveted best customer attraction stand award. That's as good as 12 Academy Awards in the business expo world.
TM
"Official integrated telecommunications partner of Manchester United for Malaysia"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hkixcvdot7k
Looking back now, it was getting rid of the plucky, little Ramli that marked the end of the dominant United era in the Premier League. Of course, the Malaysian sensation went on to win back-to-back Ballon d'Ors, several Champions League medals and Best International Act at the MOBO awards.
Banif Bank
"Official financial services affinity partner of Manchester United for Malta"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04HjORSgU_Q
This ad tells a hard-hitting tale of a Maltese United fan who's life has been plagued by some form of post-traumatic stress disorder which is triggered by any reference to his beloved club. Even a routine trip to the shop is ruined by his crippling illness.
Danamon
"Official financial services affinity partner of Manchester United for Indonesia"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQPKYwpbkW8
For some reason, that scene from Talladega Nights comes to mind. You know the one where Will Ferrell doesn't quite know what to do with his hands?
