Eight year old AirAsia has been approached by Manchester United to sponsor their jersey.

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Asia's largest budget airline and Malaysian-born global brand - AirAsia - has been invited by world famous Manchester United FC (Man Utd) to sponsor their official jersey in the upcoming EPL/Champions League seasons.

The news was proudly revealed by AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes in his weblog last week.

[Photo by Christopher Ramos]

European and world club football champions Man Utd had to find new sponsors for their jersey after insurance giant AIG (commonly known as AIA in Malaysia), which avoided bankruptcy last year due to the financial crisis, did not seek to renew their current sponsorship deal.

The AIG deal is due to expire in May 2010 and is reported to be worth US$100 million (RM360 million).

As a fan of Man Utd and a minority shareholder of AirAsia Bhd, I would say:

"Let it happen!!! ...but

Preferably only if AirAsia is able to secure financing for the millions of dollars. The opportunity to promote AirAsia is massive but the airline needs to be EXTRA vigilant of the pros and cons, especially at this time of global economic turmoil."

[Photos courtesy Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes]

Earlier this year, Man Utd was reported to have invited India's Sahara Group to enter the sponsorship deal.

And apparently, Man Utd has also invited another large Malaysian company. Guess who?

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[Photos courtesy Safriz]

OMG. WTF. How come??? Lol