VIETNAM KEEN TO HAVE UNITED FOR NEXT SEASON

HANOI (3 July 2008) – The Bank of Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) are keen to have Manchester United next year.

The bank will be cooperating with insurer AIG – the official sponsor of the English football club – to bring the Premier League and European champions to Vietnam.

Last month BIDV wrote to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stating: “BIDV is trying to get Manchester United to make a trip to play in Vietnam. AIG’s British chief has spoken to MU’s director David Gill about [it].

“The two sides will continue to discuss to arrange the trip. AIG requests the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to instruct the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to work directly with BIDV.”

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism has asked his deputy, Nguyen Danh Thai, to carry out AIG’s request.

The English champions are likely to come to Vietnam next year for a friendly match against the Vietnam national team.

BIDV and other major Vietnamese enterprises are set to sponsor the tour.