Program Details
| Commission | 3% (content/influencers), 2% (general), 1% (voucher) (Cost Per Sale) |
| Cookie Duration | 30 days |
| Network | Awin |
| Payment Methods | Bank Transfer, PayPal |
| Min. Payout | Awin standard (~£20/$20) |
| Payment Frequency | Twice monthly (Awin default) |
| Category | Sports & Football Merchandise |
| Countries | Global (UK/IE programme excludes North America; US programme available separately via Awin ID 104995) |
| Website | store.manutd.com |
Manchester United is one of the most famous football clubs on the planet, with a global fanbase estimated at over 1 billion people. Based in Manchester, England, the club operates an official online store at store.manutd.com, selling authentic kits, training wear, accessories, gifts, and memorabilia to fans worldwide.
That combination of massive brand recognition and a loyal, merchandise-hungry fanbase makes the Manchester United affiliate program an appealing option for sports content publishers – at least on paper. The reality involves some trade-offs worth understanding before you apply.
Manchester United Affiliate Program Overview
Manchester United runs its affiliate program through Awin, with two separate programme listings: one for UK and Ireland (Awin ID: 104993) and one for the US market (Awin ID: 104995). The program is also accessible through FlexOffers for publishers on that network.
Commission is 3% for content publishers and influencers, 2% for general publishers, and 1% for voucher and cashback sites. The cookie window is 30 days – solid for a sports merchandise program. Commissions are calculated on net sale value after returns. Awin pays publishers twice per month by default, once the validation period for each transaction has cleared.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional brand recognition – one of the most searched sports brands globally, which translates to strong click-through and conversion rates
- 30-day cookie duration is above average for sports merchandise affiliate programs
- Worldwide fanbase of 1+ billion gives content publishers a huge addressable audience
- Available on multiple networks (Awin UK, Awin US, FlexOffers) – easy to access wherever you publish
- Dedicated affiliate support team and access to exclusive promotions around major product launches
- New kit launches (typically May-July) and the Christmas gifting season create predictable traffic spikes
Cons:
- 3% commission rate is below competing football club programs – Arsenal pays up to 7%, Chelsea pays 5%
- Voucher and cashback affiliates earn only 1%, making it a poor fit for deal-focused sites
- Branded PPC bidding is prohibited, so you cannot drive paid search traffic using “Manchester United” keywords
- UK/IE and US programmes are separate – you need to join and manage both if your audience spans regions
How to Join
Apply through Awin at (UK/IE) or (US). You will need an active Awin publisher account first – registration requires a website or social platform and a small refundable deposit to verify your account. If you already publish on FlexOffers, the Manchester United Direct Store program is also listed there.
Approval is moderate – Manchester United prefers publishers with football, sports, or fan-focused content. Generic coupon sites or unrelated niches are typically rejected. Expect a review period of a few business days after submitting your application. Once approved, you get access to tracking links, banners, and product feeds through the Awin dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much commission does the Manchester United affiliate program pay?
The Manchester United affiliate program on Awin pays 3% for content publishers and influencers, 2% for general publishers, and 1% for voucher and cashback sites. All commissions are calculated on net sale value after any returns or cancellations are deducted.
How long is the Manchester United affiliate cookie?
The cookie window is 30 days on both the UK/IE and US Awin programmes. If a visitor clicks your link and buys within 30 days, you earn the commission. This is a strong duration for sports merchandise – many comparable programs only offer 7-14 days.
Which affiliate network hosts the Manchester United program?
Manchester United runs its affiliate program through Awin, with separate listings for UK/IE (Awin ID: 104993) and the US (Awin ID: 104995). The program is also available on FlexOffers. Skimlinks previously carried the program as well, though availability through that network may vary.
Can I promote Manchester United products to US fans?
Yes, but you need to join the dedicated US programme (Awin ID: 104995) rather than the UK/IE one, since the UK programme does not fulfil orders to North America. If your audience spans both regions, you will need to manage both Awin programme memberships separately to cover all traffic.
What kinds of products can I promote?
The official Manchester United store sells authentic and replica kits, training wear, casual clothing, footwear, accessories, gifts, and memorabilia. Product range is largest around new kit launches (typically May-July) and the Christmas gifting period – both are high-traffic windows for affiliates in this niche.
Are there restrictions on how I can promote Manchester United links?
Yes. The program prohibits branded keyword PPC bidding, retargeting ads, CSS/Google Shopping placements, direct linking, and the use of unauthorized voucher codes. Promotional methods are limited to organic editorial content, approved banner ads, and properly tagged affiliate links through the Awin dashboard.
How does Manchester United’s commission compare to other football club programs?
Manchester United’s 3% content rate is below Arsenal Direct (up to 7%) and Chelsea FC (5%), making it one of the lower-paying Premier League club programs. However, Man United’s brand pull is significantly stronger globally, which may offset the lower rate through higher conversion volume – particularly if your audience is specifically United fans.
When is the best time to promote Manchester United merchandise?
New kit launches (typically May through July) and the Christmas gift-buying period (November-December) are the strongest windows. The start of the football season in August also drives purchase intent. Transfer activity – especially high-profile signings – can create short bursts of merchandise demand around player-specific items.
Final Verdict
The Manchester United affiliate program is a reasonable choice for football content publishers with an existing United-focused audience – the 30-day cookie is fair, the brand converts well, and Awin makes tracking straightforward. The 3% rate is the main drawback: competing club programs at Arsenal and Chelsea pay significantly more, and Fanatics offers 8% across a broader product range.
If your site already ranks for Manchester United content and your readers are club fans, the brand alignment justifies joining. If you are choosing between football affiliate programs purely on commission economics, Arsenal Direct and Fanatics are stronger earners per click.
