Manchester United announce Asia tour

AFP - 20 April 2007 07:07

Manchester United team pose for a photo before a Champions League match in Manchester, England, October 2006. Premier League leaders will warm up for the 2007-2008 season with a tour of Asia that will take them to Japan, South Korea, Macau and Malaysia.

SINGAPORE (AFP) - Premier League leaders Manchester United will warm up for the 2007-2008 season with a tour of Asia that takes them to Japan, South Korea, Macau and Malaysia.

United will kick off against J-League champions Urawa Red Diamonds on July 17 in Saitama before travelling to the South Korean capital for a showdown with FC Seoul on July 20.

Alex Ferguson's team then head to Macau for a match against Shenzhen on July 23, before ending the tour in Kuala Lumpur on July 27 against a Malaysian XI.

"The club has a large and very loyal fan base in the region and the players always enjoy their trips to see them and play in front of their passionate support," chief executive David Gill told the club's website.

"Everyone is looking forward to it."

The Red Devils last visited Asia in 2005, when they played in Hong Kong, China and Japan.