Manchester United to help develop football in Saudi

Manchester United have signed an agreement to lend its business and sporting expertise to develop the football industry in Saudi Arabia.

The club have agreed a memorandum of understand which will see the 20-time English League champions help the General Sports Authority of the Middle East country help develop the game as part of its Saudi Vision 2030 Vision.

The partnership is part of a drive to diversify the Saudi economy and develop its public sectors, announced last year by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

United group managing director Richard Arnold said: “The club has a long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia and has more than 5 million passionate fans in the region.

“Our partnership with Saudi Telecom is the longest running of all our commercial partners. Having the chance to help shape the football industry in the Kingdom is a great honour and it is something where we believe we can make a big difference.”

Turki Al-Shikh chairman of the GSA said: “This relationship is part of an exciting programme we are undertaking to transform sport in Saudi Arabia.

“Manchester United has a phenomenal reputation for delivery in these areas. We believe their knowledge and experience will be invaluable in making this project successful.”