Manchester United have extended their regional sponsorship agreement with African telecoms firm Globacom, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/. The new deal sees the company remain the club's official integrated telecommunication partner in Nigeria, Ghana and the Republic of Benin for a further five years.

Globacom has been a United partner since 2009. As part of its deal it runs promotions offering fans the chance to win trips to Old Trafford, while it also operates the Glo Soccer Academy, a reality TV show that gives young soccer players in West Africa the opportunity to train with coaches from United.

The extension of the partnership coincides with the launch of United's new club app in the three African territories.

"Manchester United is pleased to be extending its relationship with Globacom," said United's group managing director, Richard Arnold. "Over the past six years, the partnership has given ambition and inspiration to the youth of West Africa. We are looking forward to building on this achievement during the next phase of our partnership.

"The launch of the mobile app with Globacom represents another step forward for the partnership and is a fantastic way for our followers to stay in touch with what's happening at the club. With nearly 50 million followers on the African continent we're thrilled that our regional partner is helping us to get even closer to our fans."