SOCCERLENS – Everyone knows by now that the partnership between big Chicago-based brand AON and Manchester United is a very real thing, and everyone is awaiting the official release of the new 2010-2011 Manchester United Shirts. We have a little bit of exclusive information about the shirt releases, where it is going to happen, and extra information about the partnership. The world cup is about to end, and the Manchester United party is about to begin. Nike is still the kit designer for Manchester United, and the new 2010-2011 kit has not yet officially been released, but it is for early purchasing already.

Let the party begin:

The first question we should answer for all the supporters out there is who is AON and why Chicago for the kit launch?

“Aon is the world’s leading insurance broker and risk consultant. Headquartered in Chicago, it has more than 36,000 employees in 120 countries. Approximately 5,400 employees work within its U.K. operations. As an insurance broker, Aon’s role is to find the best insurance solution for businesses, people and governments across the world. This is managed by Aon’s largest business, Aon Risk Services, whose clients seek advice and solutions on a wide variety of risks, ranging from natural catastrophes to employee injuries and terrorism strikes.”

The company operates in the UK as well, which makes sense that they would sponsor a UK-based football club. Aon will be the principal shirt sponsor of Manchester United. This is a four-year global partnership and brand sponsorship agreement which, in addition to having Aon’s brand on the Manchester United shirt, will present opportunities for joint product marketing and services to clients. The Aon logo will appear on the shirts from the 2010/11 season. Why they decided to sponsor Manchester United was explained by the company C.E.O. in an official press release:

“Football is dynamic, competitive and appeals to a global audience. It transcends cultures and people, and brings communities together like no other sport. It goes without saying that for Aon to become part of this high energy environment is extremely exciting. Like Aon, Manchester United has a truly global reach. The club has a great pedigree, and shares both our ambition for worldwide appeal, and our pursuit of excellence. This partnership allows us to bring the Manchester United brand into our core business areas, and will help us to grow in emerging insurance and reinsurance markets, such as parts of Asia, where the Manchester United brand is very strong. The Manchester United shirt is an iconic image in the world of sport, and the chance to appear on it is very rare — Aon is only the fourth company to do so in history of the club.”

The partnership website actually goes on to explain it a bit different, by saying:

“One unique opportunity to partner the preeminent global professional services firm with the world’s most powerful sporting property. A shared desire for excellence and winning, based on tradition, integrity, teamwork and success. Unparalleled global reach. Unprecedented partnership.It is a rather unique opportunity in the business world when two leaders in their respective fields can come together in a global partnership such as the one we have announced with our friends at Manchester United, the world’s #1 sports brand.”

The partnership is a big deal for AON and for Manchester United, because new partnerships don’t happen very often, especially with big clubs. For this reason, AON plan on giving a really big exclusive launch party for the new 2010-2011 United Shirts.

Read more on soccerlens.com

EPLTALK.COM – The number of leaked photographs of Manchester United’s new home jersey for the 2010-11 season continues to increase. And now four new photos have been leaked by FootballShirts.com website.

In the new close-up pictures, we get to see more detail than ever before of Man United’s new home shirt. Features to note include:

• the “MUFC” letters in white, on the top back of the shirt,
• the detail in the white stripe that runs from the collar down the sleeves, and
• the chevron-shaped detail running down the back of the shirt.

Read more on epltalk.com

Related Articles

1. Real Madrid 2010/11 Home & Away Adidas kits Here are the new Real Madrid home and away kits produced by Adidas for the 2010/11 season....
2. Manchester United Named World’s Most Valuable Club By Forbes Premier League champion Manchester United tops Forbes magazine’s list of soccer’s most valuable clubs for the sixth year with an estimated market value of $1.8...
3. Manchester City to sign £1 billion stadium development deal Manchester City have signed a £1 billion agreement with Manchester City Council to develop land around their stadium. The scheme will transform one of the...