Manchester United in Turkish Airlines sponsorship deal

Manchester United has signed a sponsorship deal with Turkish Airlines, the club has confirmed.

The three and a half year contract will see the airline replace Air Asia as the team's official carrier.

Manchester United said it was a multi-million pound deal, but have not released the exact financial details.

It comes a day after accounts showed that the club's debts had risen to £716m. It is also proposing to raise £500m in a bond issue.

The accounts of Manchester United's parent group Red Football Joint Venture also showed that the club's sponsorship income had grown 48% over the past year, not including the £80m shirt deal with American finance group Aon that takes effect next season.

Turkish Airlines, which operates flights from Manchester Airport, carried 25.1 million passengers last year.

It employs more than 12,000 people and is a member of the Star Alliance grouping of airlines that also includes United Airlines, BMI and Lufthansa.