Manchester United Football Club is trumpeting the return of #ILOVEUNITED for live match screenings and other events for their fans around the world, reports The BusinessDesk.com
#ILOVEUNITED 16/17 was launched on Saturday in Beijing by United ambassador and former player Dwight Yorke, ahead of the derby clash with Manchester City.
The Chinese capital will also be where the series concludes.
The club will now go on to cover more than 120,000 miles with large fan events in Bangkok and Jakarta. There will also be a return to India and Vietnam following events in those countries last season, this time catering for fans in Kolkata and Ho Chi Minh City respectively.
#ILOVEUNITED 16/17 will culminate in a large-scale fan party in Beijing for fans to enjoy one of the concluding matches of José Mourinho’s first season as United manager.
Fans in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and China can register their interest in these events, which will be free to attend.
United legends will be on the ground meeting fans, sampling local culture and giving pre- and post-match analysis of the game.
As it is anticipated the screenings will coincide with away matches, MUTV is due to broadcast its matchday programme, which is normally covered from Old Trafford, in front of fans at the event location; a first for the platform.
The club’s renowned soccer schools will join the roadshow too, with coaches putting on sessions and 3v3 competitions where locals can put their skills to the test.
United’s Group managing director Richard Arnold said: “Last season #ILOVEUNITED created some unforgettable scenes as we worked hard to engage on the ground with our fans around the world.
“We’re delighted to announce today that we’re organising large-scale parties for fans in multiple locations. Thanks to our strong following on social media and the work of MUTV, this will be an interactive, shared experience among the global community of United fans.
“We start and finish this great journey in China. We’re reaffirming our commitment to the nation where we have more United followers than anywhere else in the world. No doubt when we return fans will be gearing up for a big, crucial fixture at the end of the season.
“We know the excitement around the season ahead extends far and wide and our legends are looking forward to following José Mourinho’s first campaign with loyal United fans wherever they go.”