Manchester United have signed a football development partnership with the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) and telecoms firm Bakcell.

United will help develop youth soccer in the country, introducing its Manchester United Soccer School brand in the Azeri capital, Baku.

Bakcell, an existing partner of the club, will help fund the school.

“This exciting initiative will link the club to a national football federation for the first time," said Richard Arnold, Manchester United Group managing director.

"Azerbaijan is a burgeoning football nation and is home to over a million Manchester United followers, so founding this relationship with the help of our friends at Bakcell is a fantastic development."

AFFA President Rovnaq Abdullayev described the news as a "pivotal event" in Azerbaijan's football history, adding: "Taking into consideration the interest in football and serious potential of Azerbaijani children, Bakcell – being the people’s mobile operator, is proud to be implementing successful projects, aimed at developing children’s football, and showing that our company will continue to do important work in this direction.

Bakudaily.Az