July 31 – Manchester United have launched a new fantasy football game, Fantasy United, for the 2024/25 season.
Fantasy United aims to enhance fan engagement by combining digital collectibles with an interactive fantasy football experience.
Powered by Web3, the game will utilise the Tezos Blockchain. Tezos already have an established relationship with the club, signing as training kit sponsors in 2022 as part of a deal worth £20 million per season.
The project will see fans given the chance to collect digital Player Trading Cards featuring all first team players from the men’s squad which will be updated with real-time stats throughout the season. The Women’s team didn’t get the call up, though.
Cards will be sold in packs of seven for £3, featuring all senior squad members, including new signings Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro. Fans can start collecting the cards from July 31.
The crux of the game is to use these cards to build a five-man squad which will score points throughout the season – based on real-life performances of the players including goals, assists, tackles and saves.
The game will also give fans the opportunity to compete in mini-leagues, adding an edge of competitiveness, whilst also facing off against former Manchester United players in special ‘legends leagues’ events.
The game will begin with the Red Devils’ Premier League opener versus Fulham on August 16.
Ronan Joyce, director of digital innovation at Manchester United, said: “Player Trading Cards allows United fans to collect the whole men’s first team squad, to see those collectibles evolve throughout the season as games are played and goals are scored, and have the ability to play those cards in a exciting fantasy football game.
“It’s a club-first, it means you can compete against your mates all year long, and it adds even more drama and excitement to watching the Reds at Old Trafford and on the road this season.”
Sunil Singhvi, head of culture at Trilitech, Tezos R&D Hub, added: “Player Trading Cards and Fantasy United is an innovative use of blockchain technology to enable United fans to have a deeper connection with their favourite club. Through dynamically updating collectibles, supporters will be able to cheer on their heroes and watch how the season develops.
“Meanwhile, they will be able to showcase their managerial prowess by selecting their squad in Fantasy United. Developed by our in-house team, it’s a fun and interactive way for fans to get closer to the game and the players of Manchester United.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734805909labto1734805909ofdlr1734805909owedi1734805909sni@g1734805909niwe.1734805909yrrah1734805909