--* United we love U *--

        Nike's mission has always been to provide a competitive edge, to help playersperform better,

and this is the absolute focus of the company's partnership with ManchesterUnited. The first

shoe Nike made in the early1970's was a football boot, but it was the 1994 World Cup that really

saw Nike 'arrive' in football. Since then,the company has never looked back.

        The famous 'Swoosh' logo has adorned some of the greatest players in the history of the game

- includingUnitedlegend Eric Cantona, who was given a sponsorship deal by Nike when other

boot manufacturers wouldn't touchhim thanks to his maverick image.Nike and Manchester United

began their partnershipin 2002 and Nike provides all playing and training kit for Manchester United

teams, using highquality, innovative fabric technologies. Nike also provides a range of fanwear and

merchandise. As well as the club kit, many of the first team squad also wear Nike boots, including

Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand.Another aspect of the partnership is the

development of the Manchester United Premier Cup(formerly the Nike Premier Cup), thelargest junior

football tournament in the world, with over 9,000 teamsbeingwhittled downto a final 20 that compete

in a global finals each year. Nike also runs the Manchester United Soccer Schools, reaffirming

a joint commitment to grass-roots football.