The mobile phone operator will receive normal sponsorship rights, including increased exposure for the brand at Old Trafford. It is also being granted exclusive access to mobile content, including video highlights, news and player interviews as part of the £36m deal, which will run for four years from the start of June 2004.
Vodafone will develop this content into Manchester United-branded phone packages and premium services, which it will sell in the UK and abroad as it capitalises on the club's global popularity.
"This is the start of a wide-ranging business partnership and is much more than a normal sponsorship deal. We will work closely to develop a range of content and information-based services for Manchester United supporters," said Vodafone chief marketing officer Peter Bamford.
The venture will seek to take advantage of Vodafone's 125 million-strong worldwide customer base, with Manchester United claiming to have 53 million fans globally.
Manchester United and Vodafone will also launch a pre-season football tournament as part of the deal.
The Vodafone Tournament of Champions will see Manchester United play leading European teams at Old Trafford. Vodafone will be the sole partner of the competition, which will be held every two years, starting next August.
The renewed sponsorship deal comes amid frenzied speculation about a possible takeover of the club. This week US billionaire Malcolm Glazer increased his stake in the club to more than 14%.
Manchester United has denied a takeover is on the cards, with chief executive David Gill insisting that Glazer's stake is "only an investment".
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