United line up friendlies

Manchester United have confirmed two more dates in their pre-season programme by announcing friendly clashes with local duo Preston and Macclesfield.

Alex Ferguson’s side will visit Preston – who could yet be in the Premiership next season – on Saturday, July 29 before sending a largely reserve line-up to Macclesfield two days later.

With a three-match tour of South Africa and a trip to Amsterdam for the prestigious four-team tournament in early August already booked, the Red Devils are now just to finalise details of their high-profile game to ‘open’ the expanded Old Trafford, with Champions League finalists Barcelona still the most likely opponents.