Manchester United will be back in South Africa for a pre-season tour in July 2008. They were last in South Africa in June 2006.
Although no venues or fixtures have been released United have confirmed the 7 day tour will take place from July 19th. The touring party will not include those players who will take part in Euro 2008, just as in their list visit the squad was minus players involved in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. So while Christiano Ronaldo will not be present, South African fans will still be able to see the likes of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and club captain Gary Neville, thanks to Englands failure to qualify for Euro 2008, as well as veteren stars Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
Sir Alex Furgeson is pleased to be going back, saying
“We really enjoyed our visit in 2006,” said the Old Trafford boss. ”The atmosphere in all the stadiums and the enthusiasm from the fans helped make for a great trip. All the facilities were first class and I am looking forward to returning.”
United have over the last few years split their pre season tours between the Far East and Africa, concentrating on the growing markets of these areas rather then, like Chelsea, attempting to break the American market.
Details of the tour are expected this month.
