Aon: United fans inspired deal

The chief executive of Aon says Manchester United's new shirt sponsor was drawn to Old Trafford because of the pulling power of the fans. Aon, whose headquarters are in Chicago, have a four-year deal with the partnership coming to fruition after being announced a year ago.Greg Case had a message for the fans in particular."We want them to know we are here to support a great club, their club," said the chief exec."We want to do it in a way that is compelling and exciting and build a long-term partnership between two great institutions."Our focal point is around the club. This is the number one sport, number one brand. Some people might not realise how powerful Manchester United are around the world."The passion the fans have for the game, the excitement they have for the game, that is what drew us to this partnership. That is what we are so excited about."This is an incredible stadium. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck when I walked in. You can feel the tradition, you can feel the history."We are very proud to be part of this tradition and will do all that we can to be supportive of the club."United have had to deal with "Green and Gold protests" among the fans and chief executive David Gill admits he does not think they are going to be abandoned.A meeting is due to be held later this week between members of the Red Knights consortium aiming to gain control, even though the Glazer family have made it perfectly clear they are not interested in a sale.The group is hoping to piggy-back on the momentum gained by the highly-visual green and gold campaign, which has attracted the support of the majority of match-going fans.And while Gill does not think a sale to the Red Knights is either likely or a good idea, he accepts the green and gold will be back next season."I don't think they will go away," Gill told Sky Sports News."There is a protest movement there and a lot of people feel exercised by it and very passionate about it. That is one of the strengths of Manchester United."There were some comments last week that I was belittling the protest. That could not be further from the truth. We understand it and it will be there."Gill has welcomed Aon on board with the company's staff and their families participating in a penalty kick challenge to raise money for the Christie cancer centre.Gill said: "This event is an indication of how Aon is committed to developing the partnership way beyond a simple commercial arrangement."I hope we will be able to build a tangible legacy for the Manchester United community both here in the north west and further afield."Commercial director Richard Arnold added: "We try and make sure we are associated with businesses with strong brands that support the vision of the club."They are very respectful of the management team and totally focussed on making sure we are successful on the pitch."They completely understand we are an elite football team first and foremost. The commercial activities that go with that fit in around that principal aim."

Source: Team_Talk