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United News of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Apollo Tyres extends its strategic partnership with Manchester United Football Club
Kochi, June 20 (UNI) Apollo Tyres Ltd on Friday announced the extension of its strategic partnership with Manchester United Football Club, one of the world's most iconic football teams, for an additional three years. This renewed collaboration underscores Apollo Tyres' commitment to excellence, innovation and shared values with Manchester United. Over the years, the partnership has enabled both organisations to connect with millions of passionate fans worldwide, driving engaging campaigns and delivering exceptional value both on and off the pitch. Since the inception of the partnership 12 years ago, Apollo Tyres has seen a significant boost in brand equity, reinforced by the global visibility and emotional connection associated with Manchester United's loyal fan base. The association has elevated Apollo Tyres' reputation, increased consumer trust, and enhanced its positioning as a leading tyre manufacturer. The announcement follows the visit of Manchester United men's first team players to Mumbai recently. Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire visited India to officially launch and kickstart activities for the 5th season of United We Play programme and engage with fans. Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and MD, Apollo Tyres Ltd said, 'We are thrilled to continue our association with Manchester United, a club that embodies passion, performance and global reach. Our partnership has been instrumental in amplifying our brand equity by aligning with a club that represents passion and perseverance." "Together we will strive to create even more exciting experiences for fans, leverage new opportunities in digital and on-ground engagement, and strengthen our brand presence across key markets. We are also excited to expand our impact through a grassroots football initiative that aims to nurture young talent and promote access to the sport at the community level.' Omar Berrada, Chief Executive Officer, Manchester United added, 'We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Apollo Tyres, a valued and long-standing member of the Manchester United family. During our 12-year relationship, we've not only created impactful global campaigns but also delivered meaningful initiatives at the grassroots level, from youth development to sustainable infrastructure.' Omar further added 'As we move into this next chapter, we look forward to continuing on our shared legacy -- driving further engagement with our fans around the world and creating lasting value both on and off the pitch.' The three-year extension will include exclusive branding rights, co-branded fan experiences, digital content collaborations and the grassroots football initiative, designed to inspire and develop young football talent while promoting inclusivity and community engagement. UNI DS BM
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Apollo Tyres extends partnership with Manchester United for three more years
Apollo Tyres has announced the extension of its partnership with Manchester United Football Club for a further three years. The agreement continues a relationship that began 12 years ago and has supported joint initiatives aimed at brand visibility and fan engagement . Apollo Tyres stated that the partnership has contributed to increased brand equity, enhanced visibility, and wider consumer engagement, aided by the global reach of Manchester United's fan base. The company noted that the association has strengthened its position in key markets. The extension follows a visit by Manchester United men's first team players Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire to Mumbai, where they launched the fifth season of the 'United We Play' programme and met with fans. Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and MD of Apollo Tyres, said, 'We are thrilled to continue our association with Manchester United, a club that embodies passion, performance and global reach. Our partnership has been instrumental in amplifying our brand equity by aligning with a club that represents passion and perseverance." "Together we will strive to create even more exciting experiences for fans, leverage new opportunities in digital and on-ground engagement, and strengthen our brand presence across key markets. We are also excited to expand our impact through a grassroots football initiative that aims to nurture young talent and promote access to the sport at the community level,' he added. Omar Berrada, CEO of Manchester United, said, 'We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Apollo Tyres, a valued and long-standing member of the Manchester United family. During our 12-year relationship, we've not only created impactful global campaigns but also delivered meaningful initiatives at the grassroots level, from youth development to sustainable infrastructure.' 'As we move into this next chapter, we look forward to continuing on our shared legacy -- driving further engagement with our fans around the world and creating lasting value both on and off the pitch,' he added. The extended agreement includes exclusive branding rights, co-branded fan experiences, digital content initiatives , and continued support for grassroots football through community-focused programmes .
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana believes football talent in India is ‘really good'
English football club Manchester United's No. 1, André Onana, had only just touched down in Mumbai when he found himself swept up in the city's infectious energy. The Cameroonian goalkeeper, visiting India for the first time, wasted no time getting involved — joining teammates Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire for the launch of United We Play, a grassroots football initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent across the country. 'We are having fun, we are enjoying it,' Onana said, his face lighting up. 'We're really happy to be here. We ate a lot already — we had the vada pav. Yeah, really happy to be here.' But beyond the fanfare, food, and photo ops, the visit carried deeper meaning for the 28-year-old. For Onana, it was about connection — with fans, with aspiring footballers, and with a country where the Premier League's popularity continues to rise. 'The Indian talent is really good,' he said. 'If you work hard and you focus, it will come. Commit to it with passion and prepare yourself for the jump. I don't know when it will come, but it will.' Having joined Manchester United in 2023, Onana has had a rollercoaster debut season filled with scrutiny and pressure. His time in India, however, offered a rare moment of respite — a chance to step away from the high-intensity world of European football and soak in the joy of the sport at its purest level. Amid the cheers and playful training drills, his message to young Indian players was clear: belief and preparation are everything. As children lined up to take shots against him and fans roared his name from the sidelines, Onana's presence was more than ceremonial. It was symbolic — a reminder that football dreams are valid no matter where you're from. For many in Mumbai that day, the goalkeeper's visit was unforgettable. And for Onana, it was another reminder of just how global, and powerful, the Manchester United connection truly is.
NDTV
30-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Manchester United Players Harry Maguire, Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot Visit India For Grassroots Football Initiative
Manchester United players Harry Maguire, Andre Onana and Diogo Dalot visited India on Thursday, being part of the launch of the fifth edition of leading tyre-maker Apollo Tyres' 'United We Play' grassroots football programme initiative. Following a disappointing season, in which Manchester United recorded their lowest-ever Premier League finish of 15th, as well as lost the Europa League final, Maguire, Onana and Dalot reflected on it. Speaking to the media in Mumbai, Maguire admitted that the just-concluded season was tough. "This year has obviously been a difficult season in the Premier League. But I'm sure next season will be a lot different. There will be a lot of changes in the summer -- some players will leave, and hopefully new ones will come in. That's down to the club to get right. And for us as players, we have to step up. Playing for this club is special," Maguire said. Manchester United have had a tough time adapting to the system of new manager Ruben Amorim. Defender Diogo Dalot is one such player who has had to adapt, going from a full-back to a wing-back. Normally a right-sided player, Dalot has also had to play increasingly on the left side. "I'm used to it now. Obviously, on the right is where I feel more comfortable or I grew up and played more time. But throughout your career, you have to be able to do other things and be as complete as you can," Dalot said. Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has also had a rough start to his time at the club, but ensured that filling the boots of club legends like David de Gea does not add pressure. "I don't feel pressure. It's not the pressure, it's an extra motivation. We have been in the game for so long, so I don't think we have any pressure. For sure, no. For me, it's the opposite," Onana said. Harry Maguire, André Onana and Diogo Dalot, who are on their maiden visit to India, officially launched and kicked off the activities for the fifth season of the United We Play programme. Over the past four seasons, the United We Play programme has reached out to over 30000 aspiring footballers across 25 cities in India. Speaking at the launch, Harry Maguire said, "It has been a privilege to be here today launching the new season of 'United We Play'. Manchester United has fans around the world and we can feel the passion that exists for the team and for the sport here in India. The work of the club and Apollo Tyres is ensuring the next generation of talent has the opportunity play football in excellent facilities, with the infrastructure around them to nurture talent. We have seen first-hand today how impactful the United We Play programme is and the positive effect it has at the grassroots level." Listen to the latest songs, only on
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Diogo Dalot: ‘There's no place to hide when you play for Manchester United'
As Manchester United's Diogo Dalot stepped into the buzzing energy of Mumbai, he was greeted by a sea of red — passionate fans waving flags, chanting songs, and showering the Portuguese full-back with adoration. Though just a few hours into his India visit, the 26-year-old was already soaking in the experience. 'We just landed and ever since we are here, we are having a lot of fun. It's great to meet fans of Manchester United here — they are so full of passion and enthusiasm about the club,' he told us. Diogo's visit, alongside teammates Harry Maguire and André Onana, marked the launch of the new season of United We Play, a grassroots football initiative. But amid the smiles and celebratory mood, he remained grounded, reflecting on a demanding season that tested the squad and its supporters alike. 'It's been tough for us and tough for the fans. There were moments in the season where I felt we played well but just couldn't get the result. We need to take responsibility for that,' he admitted. Diogo, who has grown into a key presence on the pitch for United, understands the weight of expectation that comes with the club's badge. 'There's no place for you to hide when you play for Manchester United. You have to match it. You have to be ready for it,' he said. With big changes underway at Old Trafford — both on and off the field — Dalot views the upcoming pre-season as a reset point. 'We have to come back to pre-season with energy. 'A lot of changes are happening at the club, and it's on us to adapt, grow, and fight for what this club stands for,' he said. Despite the challenges, the defender remains optimistic. His words in Mumbai echo the resolve of a player — and a team — determined to rise again.
