FAI in talks with Red Devils over Aviva date

THE FAI was yesterday unable to confirm whether an Airtricity League selection would face Manchester United at the Aviva Stadium for a ‘soft’ opening in late July or early August.

It is believed plans for such a fixture are at an advanced stage and that it would serve as a trial run for the new stadium prior to Ireland’s friendly against Argentina on August 11.

However, the IRFU have always insisted they will host the first game at the revamped ground and they host a one-off provincial game in which a Leinster/Ulster selection will take on a Munster/Connacht side on August 7.