Manchester United have announced that they will be visiting Australia as one of their locations on the 2013/2014 pre-season tour.
The reds will play an Australian league all-star team on Saturday 20th July 2013 and tickets are available to buy now from here.
This will be the first time that Manchester United have been back down-under since the summer after the Champions League final back in the year of 1999.
Football Federation Australian cheif executive David Gallop said:
“Having Manchester United as the opponent for our first ever A-League All Star game will put the A-League on the world stage, I’m absolutely delighted Australian fans will get to see the Red Devils in action against the best A-League players.”
“It’s a massive opportunity for our players and one the fans won’t want to miss.”
Former Sydney FC marquee Dwight Yorke, ex-Socceroos keeper Mark Bosnich and Nicky Butt featured back in 1999 when the reds were back in Australia, it was a tour in which Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t travel as he stayed back in England to collect his knighthood.
Dwight Yorke mentioned at the press conference that:
“I know how much people in Sydney appreciate their football … I’m sure a lot of people are looking forward to this game, a lot of people will have the opportunity to see some fantastic players.”
Alessandro Del Piero, Brisbane’s Thomas Broich and Besart Berisha, Perth’s Shane Smeltz and Melbourne Victory’s Marcos Flores could all feature for the Australian all-stars, which will be selected by managers and fans.
Manchester United’s director of communications Phil Townsend said his club was keen on helping football grow in Australia:
“Football in Australia continues to grow and increase in popularity and we’re delighted to have given this chance to play our part in helping keep the profile of the sport high, we know we can expect a very tough game in front of an enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowd.”
Manchester United are expected to confirm other locations for their pre-season tour soon.
Those traveling over from the United Kingdom will be able to take advantage of some travel and ticket packages from Thomas Cook.
