体坛英语新闻：Man United agrees deal with two Chinese companies

LONDON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- English Premier League side Manchester United on Tuesday agreed two three-year sponsorships with Chinese companies, China Construction Bank (CCB) and soft drinks manufacturer Wahaha.

As part of the agreement, United's first with a Chinese bank, CCB will hold the rights exclusively to produce the official Manchester United branded credit card in mainland China.

United's commercial director Richard Arnold said, "Manchester United has a huge following in China of 108 million. We know from our visits there, including the one to Shanghai last summer, that our Chinese followers have always been among the most supportive.

"Through our relationship with CCB we hope not only to give fans an excellent product, but also bring them closer to the club they so passionately support."

The new three-year deal will see Wahaha become the club's first official soft drinks partner in China.

Founded in 1987, Wahaha has been the largest beverage producer in China for the past 11 years.