Seven of Manchester United's most bizarre commercial partners

A manager caught in turmoil. Disgruntled players. Increasingly strained boardroom relations. A humbling defeat at the hands of Brighton. It may be early days but it’s safe to say the warning signs are there for Manchester United.

But in spite of speculation over Jose Mourinho’s future, and growing fears of a crisis at Old Trafford, United is continuing to thrive off the pitch.

Across the past three weeks United’s share prices have rocketed on the New York Stock Exchange, hitting a new record high of £18.50 per share. This places the overall value of the club at a staggering £3.1bn.

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United hit all-time high on stock exchange despite on-pitch struggles

It may be doom-and-gloom on the pitch, but there’s no doubting that the club is continuing to grow as a global brand – one that remains as financially attractive to investors as ever.

This is clear to see by United’s lengthy partners list, which includes a number of corporate giants – such as Adidas and Chevrolet – and some, well, lesser-known names.

From the likes of CHI Limited – “one of the most admired food and beverages companies in Nigeria” – to The Hong Kong Jockey Club – “one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations” – United has entered into partnership with an eclectic, and bizarre, range of brands and companies.

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Here, we take a look at some of the best.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

What United says: "The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 10 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor."

Melitta

What United says: Official Coffee Partner of Manchester United

"With an estimated 6,000kg of coffee consumed each season, the famed [Old Trafford] stadium will provide the ideal backdrop for Melitta to demonstrate its prowess in providing quality coffee products to a mass audience."

'Just act normal, lads' (Man Utd via Getty Images)

YOU•C1000

What United says: "Official isotonic drinks partner of Manchester United in Indonesia

"Founded in 2003, PT Djojonegoro C-1000 is an ISO 9001 and 14001 certified 90,000 square metre bottling plant. It produces YOU•C1000 Vitamin C Health & Isotonic beverages under licence from House Wellness Foods, one of the largest food companies in Japan."

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Gulf Oil International

What United says: "Official Global Lubricant Partner and Fuel Retail Partner of Manchester United.

"From lubricants to filters, from car care products to retail fuel stations, Gulf offers a huge array of products and services in territories across the globe."

United's players are treated to some premium Texan oil courtesy of their sponsors (Man Utd via Getty Images)

Mlily

What United says: "Official Global Mattress and Pillow Partner of Manchester United

"Mlily’s mattress, pillow and mattress topper production facility was founded in 2003. Since then, it has doubled its production capacity annually and has become the largest memory foam manufacturer in China since 2011."

AladdinStreet

What United says: "Global Online Marketplace Partner of Manchester United

"The world’s first exclusive premium quality and Halalan Toyyiban focused e-marketplace."

CHI Limited

What United says: Official Soft Drinks Partner of Manchester United for Nigeria

“CHI Limited is the undisputed market leader in juices, fruit drinks and drinking yoghurts in Nigeria. The company attained this status by regularly delivering innovative and adorable products that have become household names in Nigeria.”