Soccer: United deny Premiership split after Yankees link-up

Manchester United officials insist the deal with the New York Yankees does not mean they intend to abandon the Premiership.

United announced the deal in a bid to tap into the vast untapped soccer market in America.

But they have no intention of becoming a 'superclub' in a breakaway league.

Paddy Harverson, United's director of communications said: "Manchester United are fully committed to the Premier League and domestic English football.

"There is no suggestion whatsoever that we are looking to leave the English game and join any kind of breakaway league".

The Yankees will use United's own vast network in Europe and the Far East to sell their distinctive merchandise.

The teams will share market information, develop sponsorship and joint promotional programs and sell each other's licensed goods.

Under the deal, David Beckham and Fabien Barthez will be paraded at the Yankee Stadium, with Yankees' El Duque and outfielder Bernie Williams visiting Old Trafford.

"The YankeeNets are an icon sports organization," Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon said at a news conference in New York.

"Their executive staff know that North American markets better than anyone. Soccer has developed dramatically in the US over the last 10 years and we believe there is a market for Manchester United content among football fans of all ages."

Shares in United went up 20p to 233p - an increase of around nine per cent - after news of the partnership leaked out.

Kenyon and director Sir Bobby Charlton travelled to New York for the announcement.

There are comparisons between United, who are chasing their seventh Premiership title in nine years, and the Yankees, who have won three of the last four titles - the World Series - and, in all, a record 26.

United's £1bn wealth is far in excess of the Yankees who are believed to be capitalised at around £400m. They are, however, the wealthiest baseball team in the United States.

The company that owns the Yankees, YankeeNets, also controls the NBA's New Jersey Nets and icehockey side the New Jersey Devils.

A Manchester United spokesman said that the chances of the club joining a breakaway superleague were absolutely zero.