United consider South Africa trip

Manchester United have confirmed they are considering playing a one-off friendly against Orlando Pirates in South Africa next month.

But United officials have stressed the projected trip is designed to give their players a short break from the rigours of the English winter.

And the final decision on whether to fly out will be left entirely to boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has previously suggested that exhausting foreign trips have had a detrimental effect on United’s Premiership campaigns.

However the trip for a match tentatively booked for January 18 – provided there is a definite result in the FA Cup third-round clash with non-league Exeter – would be shorter than other ventures.

A United spokesman said: “The decision is very much down to the coaching staff on whether the players would benefit from getting a bit of sun on their backs.”