English soccer club Manchester United plc extended its empire on Tuesday when it unveiled a new financial initiative.

MU Finances - the financial services side of the business - opened a face-to-face advice centre at the English champions' Old Trafford stadium.

The advice centre, located next door to the Megastore in the East Stand, will offer a personal finance health check to United supporters.

The centre will be run in partnership with Zurich Financial Services which recently teamed up with Manchester United as a partner of MU Finance.

'Ensure growth'

David Gill, Group Managing Director of Manchester United, said: "I am delighted that we are able to bring this new service to our fans.

"Financial services is an important venture for the club and will help ensure our growth and development over the coming years."

Ann Akers, Zurich's managing director of Zurich Strategic Partnerships, said: "I am confident that Manchester United supporters will all benefit from this initiative."

Personal loans

In October Manchester United, experiencing a sticky patch on the playing field, reported a 30% jump in profits.

United earned pre-tax profits of �21.8m ($32m) in the 12 months to the end of July, on record turnover of �129.6m.

The Premiership club also plans to start selling financial services such as personal loans, insurance policies, mortgages and credit cards.

The advice centre will be open from 0900 BST to 1700 BST Monday to Friday, with shorter opening hours on midweek match days.