From my Aunty's site:

Man Utd linked to #300m Nike deal

Man Utd striker Paul Scholes, left, wears Nike boots Manchester United could be set to unveil an astonishing #300m kit deal with sportswear manufacturer Nike.

The US giant is believed to have agreed a 15-year deal with the Premiership champions which could be rubber-stamped as early as next week, according to reports in several national newspapers.

United still have two years left to run on their current contract with Umbro, but Nike are determined to establish themselves as the leading force in the ever-growing world-wide football market.

The firm already sponsor Brazil's national team to the tune of just under #7m a year for the rights to produce the famous yellow shirts of the four-times World Cup winners.

Cantona

And now it appears the firm wants to tie up a similar agreement with the world's most famous club side.

Nike already have strong links with the Old Trafford giants, with Andy Cole, Paul Scholes and Dwight Yorke all wearing their boots.

And United legend Eric Cantona was featured in a string of elaborate television adverts for the company.

Sir Alex Ferguson is also believed to have been offered an "ambassadorial" role with the firm when he steps down as the Manchester United manager.

Golfing great Tiger Woods, American sprint stars Marion Jones and Maurice Greene and former basketball hero Michael Jordan have helped push Nike's 'swoosh' logo to the forefront of the sportswear industry.

And the firm already have Arsenal, Rangers, Inter Milan and Barcelona among their collection of football strips.

I wonder what Vodaphone will make of all this??

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Answers

This simply gives them another reason to launch a further 10 strips before Christmas to satisfy the needs of the youth of South London.....and all those other plastic mancs like the baldy biking tw@t.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

I wouldn't complain if they pumped the money into NUFC.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

When does our strip deal with ADIDAS run out?

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Phew,

That's a relief!

I thought this thread was about me. :o))

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Nexy time I'm the Strawbs ITK, I'll let you insult me to my face...before I rip out yer fuckin' lungs.

Understand?

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Screach....don't think it matters mate..Vodafone are the kit sponsors...but it's Umbro that make it...so it's a straight swap..Umbro for Nike. Who cares...I won't be getting one.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Ken you really should be prepared to back up nastiness like that mate :(((

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

ITK - there are certainly a lot of plastic Mancs around. But I for one wouldn't put LR in that category. He's seen more ManUre than many of us on here have seen the Toon.

PS. Pilgrim, the thought never crossed my mind ;-))

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

>>Sir Alex Ferguson is also believed to have been offered an "ambassadorial" role with the firm when he steps down as the Manchester United manager.<<

So that'll be the last time I buy Ferrero Roche then...

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Anyway Screach...Nike'll see their arses if we have a blip that lasts a "few" years as many would desire :-)

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Sorry.......did I mention anyone by name? ;0(

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

No ya never..cos that would take balls.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

a manc ripping the lungs out of a geordie in a tyneside pub. Can't quite see it somehow

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Like ITK saying that to my face...can't quite see it:-)

YEWWWWWWWWWWNIGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHTED!!

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Don't be horrible to each other. You have far more in common than you are recalling at the moment - ie. you are both football supporters. Can we lay down as fact that LR is not a plastic Manc and goes to loads of games and has always gone to loads of games and that ITK is a lovely Geordie who loves his team, too? Good.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

Don't be goodie-2-shoes, Dougie. I wanna see a fight! ;-))

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000

but LR's a Tory as well! FF

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2000