United go global

Google+ initiative gives Man Utd fans around the world the chance to appear pitch-side against Liverpool.

Manchester United supporters around the world will get the opportunity to be seen live on the Old Trafford pitch during the club's match against Liverpool next week as part of a new initiative with Google+. United have teamed up with the social media site on Front Row to offer the unprecedented chance for a select number of fans to have their image beamed live from the pitch-side hoardings around the globe during the Premier League match against Liverpool on March 16. The process is possible via a live Google+ hangout, a popular free service that is capable of video streaming. Red Devils fans need to share a picture on the site along with the tag '#MUFrontRow' to be in with a chance of appearing in front of the vast assembled crowd and the millions watching on Sky Sports 1 HD.
Manchester United's group managing director, Richard Arnold, said: "This ground-breaking initiative offers a dynamic and innovative way for our fans worldwide to get even closer to the club they love. "Working with Google we are giving the chance for some of our 659 million followers around the globe to have a unique opportunity to be pitch-side at one of the biggest games in world football, something that is a dream for all United fans, no matter where they live." Despite enduring a difficult campaign on the field, Manchester United's social media presence remains significant and the club became the fastest sports organisation to reach one million Twitter followers after launching last year with their tentacles extending to Facebook, Instagram and, of course, Google+. "We couldn't think of a greater partner than Manchester United to kick it off,' said head of Google+ EMEA, Cristian Cussen. "Hundreds of millions of United supporters in every corner of the world dream of experiencing a match at Old Trafford. It's one of those sporting events you cherish for the rest of your life."