United eye African tour

Manchester United chief executive David Gill revealed the club may embark on a pre-season trip to Africa at some stage in the future and admitted a tour of Asia this summer made more sense commercially than a tour of the United States.

The Red Devils have been bowled over by the fanatical reaction of supporters on their Far East tour – before, during and after their game against FC Seoul in the South Korean capital on Friday in particular – and Gill intimated that Africa was now in their thoughts for a future pre-season campaign.

United took part in the Vodacom Challenge against South African sides Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs last summer and Gill feels there is potential for the club to increase their fan base on the continent.

“Africa is an interesting one. There’s a great following for the Premier League in Africa and, as more African players come to the Premier League, you can see that getting greater,” he said.

“Apparently the reception Rio Ferdinand got in Uganda (where he is planning to open a football academy) this summer was incredible. He sent me a text when he was there saying ’Mr Gill, we’ve got to come to Uganda’. Maybe we will.”

In the meantime United are halfway through a four-match Asian tour with two games in China to come over the next week and even Gill has been surprised by the level of support the Barclays Premier League champions have received.

“You travel and you see all the coverage and the amazing support we have. Chelsea have been having a great time in America, which is fine. We do what’s right for us.

“We’re comfortable with the opportunities with our history, our ground, our heritage, the way we play. Those are key assets.

“We had a good tour in America in 2003. Clearly there were a few issues in 2004, when we didn’t have a full squad there. I’m sure we will go to America again, whether that’s at the end of the season or a pre-season.

“Obviously, with having American owners, it makes sense to go there at some stage. But they wouldn’t insist that we go there.

“They would look at it from a team perspective, a commercial perspective and an overall club perspective. Looking at all those issues, it made sense for us to come here.”