Manchester United scores with Vietnamese bank

MANCHESTER United has announced a five year partnership with Vietnamese bank, BIDV, the first of two Far East deals this week.

BIDV, which stands for Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam, was established in 1957 and is one of the top three banks in the country, with an annual turnover of over $200m employing almost 18,000 people.

The new agreement will see BIDV offer some of United’s 26.5 million followers in Vietnam the bank’s first affinity credit card. BIDV will also introduce a Manchester United debit card early next season.

Manchester United commercial director, Richard Arnold said: “Vietnam is a very important country for Manchester United. The club is lucky enough to have a large and very passionate set of fans there, with some 30 million supporters watching the team on TV last season.

‘We know from the other financial services sponsorships we have around the world that fans find this a great way to engage with the Club, with deals putting hundreds of thousands of cards in the hands of United fans within weeks of being available.

“BIDV shares many of the same values of Manchester United, such as striving to be pioneers in its industry whilst respecting its history and traditions. Everyone at the club is looking forward to a successful partnership.”

On Thursday Mr Arnold will unveil a deal with Japanese social gaming company gloops.