Manchester United have announced a link-up with Brazil's Desportivo Brasil.

The exciting football-driven venture will see academy players from both clubs visiting each country for the opportunity to experience new training methods and play friendly matches.

The project, driven by Brian McClair, Les Kershaw and John Calvert Toulmin (United's South American recruitment officer), is seen as an invaluable learning curve for players.

Academy manager Brian McClair said: "It is exciting to be involved with such an innovative partnership that allows each club to glean knowledge from each other and so develop the future of football."

United chief executive David Gill also told manutd.com: "This is a fantastic opportunity for our coaches and Academy players. They will gain invaluable knowledge and experience from Desportivo. Brazilian football has always been consistent and we already have a strong Brazilian contingent at the club. This will forge an even stronger relationship."

Desportivo Brasil is located in the city of Itu, an hour's drive from Sao Paulo, and is focused on youth football. The club fields teams competing in the Sao Paulo state championship at U15, U17 and U20 level. Their head consultant is Brazil's World Cup-winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.