How Chinese money chases European sports

The Dream Team

When a Manchester United secured a sponsor, the deal happened to be something like a dream.

The popular Premier League team is already home to the Old Trafford stadium, known as Theatre of Dream.

Manchester United, one of the best-known club names in China, sealed a five-year deal to Mlily, the club's first-ever official mattress and pillow provider, ensuring Red Devils a good sleep. [Photo/Weibo.com]

United, one of the best-known club names in China, sealed a five-year deal to Mlily, the club's first-ever official mattress and pillow provider, ensuring Red Devils a good sleep.

All seemed well except that the timing of the announcement in November couldn't have been worse.

Back then both manager Jose Mourinho and players were under fire for the team's slack performance, opening the door to jokes overflowing on social media inspired by this sponsorship deal.

"Manchester United players can continue to daydream on the pitch," said one.

Luckily during this Christmas match week the 13-time Premier League champion rebounded, making five victories in a row after thrashing Sunderland 3-1.