American car maker Chevrolet announced they have signed a five-year sponsorship contract with the British Premier League football team Manchester United. Chevy will become Man United’s official automotive partner for what they say is ‘bringing the club supporters and football fans around the world closer to the game than ever before.‘ But really, it’s just to win over the team’s 659 million fans around the world.

I mean even if 10 percent of those fans decide to buy a Chevy to support their team, the Americans will get their money back plus a healthy profit. So it all sounds like a solid investment. Except for one little detail. You see, for every fan that Manchester United has, there’s also a hater because MU is not the only team in the Premier League. So while Chevrolet might gain support of some, it will lose support of some others.

Details about the global partnership will be announced at a celebration event at the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum.

Chevy also announced today a three-year partnership with the One World Futbol Project. Chevrolet’s pledge will be executed through a global network of organisations dedicated to helping empower the next generation of footballers.

“Manchester United has some of the most passionate supporters of any sporting club in the world,” said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “The Chevrolet family is proud to partner with Manchester United and is fully committed to putting these fans at the centre of everything we do.”

Said David Gill, Manchester United CEO: “Although part of two very different industries, Chevrolet and Manchester United share many of the same values. Like the Club, it is steeped in history having recently celebrated its centenary and it has also grown to be a global brand, selling cars in more than 140 countries. Above all, it too strives to be the best in its field and I am delighted to welcome Chevrolet as our Official Automotive Partner.”

Richard Arnold, Manchester United commercial director, said: “With 659 million United fans and followers around the world, the commitment that Chevrolet is making to football and its plans to bring these fans closer to our club is very exciting for us. This is also the first time we have teamed up with a U.S. automotive partner and with the growing popularity of the Club and English football in America, we are hoping the relationship will allow us to further expand our fan base in the country.”