Skip to content

United ink Sporting deal

PREMIERSHIP champions Manchester United have signed a co-operation agreement with Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.

The Red Devils have been locked in discussions with Sporting since October regarding a partnership between the two clubs.

The deal comprises the potential for player exchanges with United having held a long-standing interest in Sporting starlets Ricardo Quaresma and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The two clubs will also work together in a plethora of footballing areas, including scouting, training and youth development.

United's current assistant manager Carlos Queiroz was formerly Sporting coach and has played a part in the negotiations.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident the partnership will prove lucrative for both clubs.

‚Ç£I'm delighted that we are joining forces with Sporting," Ferguson told the club's official website.

"We've had many meetings with the club and they have the same ambitions, foresight and philosophy as us, and I know it will be a great partnership.‚Ç¥

Ferguson's sentiments were echoed by United chief executive Peter Kenyon, who foresees a fruitful, long-term partnership.

He stated: ‚Ç£We are very pleased to have agreed this alliance with Sporting, a club that shares our belief in the importance of developing young footballing talent.

"I am confident that in the coming years both clubs will benefit greatly from this relationship.‚Ç¥

Sporting president Miguel Ribeiro Telles feels the alliance is a recognition of his club's commitment to rearing quality young footballers.

‚Ç£We are very proud to be embarking upon such a close co-operation with Manchester United, and we see this agreement as recognition of the investment we have made in the development of young players in Portugal," said Telles.

"It is now up to both clubs to build a partnership that allows Sporting and Manchester United to nurture the very best young talent in the game.‚Ç¥

United already have agreements in place with Royal Antwerp from Belgium, Brommapojkarna of Sweden, Shelbourne in Ireland, Parramatta Melita Eagles of Australia and Norway's Oslo East while they are also due to announce a link-up with Welsh outfit Connah's Quay. 

 

Around Sky