Football club names HCL as its first-ever digital transformation partner.

Manchester United has announced a new, global partnership with the IT services company HCL Technologies to develop a range of digital initiatives for fans.

HCL and Manchester United will work together to develop a range of digital initiatives designed to enhance the experience of the club’s 659 million global followers.

The first project for the partners will be the creation of a United Xperience Lab that will be housed in the Old Trafford stadium, the seventh such lab worldwide. HCL and Manchester United will use the lab to explore ways to use technology to create a unified fan experience for supporters and drive fan engagement.

“Our partnership with HCL is a first for Manchester United," says Richard Arnold, group managing director, Manchester United. "With the introduction of the United Xperience lab at Old Trafford, we hope to demonstrate best practices within the industry to generate new ideas that leverage the latest technology available in the evolving digital landscape. Through digital transformation we hope to change the way in which our fans experience and interact with Manchester United. Together with HCL we aim to develop innovative ways to connect with our fans around the world, providing a blueprint for other global organizations.”