United line up Stateside tour

Manchester United have confirmed they will play three matches in the United States tour next summer.

The opposition have not yet been finalised, but United will kick off the tour in Los Angeles on July 12, before playing in Boston four days later and then finishing off with a game in the New York/New Jersey area on July 19.

United announced at the time of their commercial tie-up with Yankeesnet, who own the New York Yankees, back in February 2001 that they would visit America in the summer of 2003 and Reds boss Alex Ferguson is excited by the prospect of the tour.

Ferguson said: ‘‘Everyone knows that football is becoming increasingly popular in the States and by bringing United over on tour we hope to promote the game to an even wider audience, winning new fans and friends in the process.

‘‘I’m sure the team will enjoy the experience of playing in front of large and enthusiastic crowds in some of the best stadiums in America.’’