15 Jan Manchester United set for Kuala Lumpur date

ENGLISH Premier League and European champions Manchester United will be in Kuala Lumpur for their pre-season tour in July. The dates have yet to be finalised. Fans of the Red Devils, who were deprived of seeing their team in action two years ago because their visit clashed with the Asian Cup, will be able to catch their stars in action this time around. In 2007 the United tour was called off because the Asian Football Confederation was adamant that no foreign team should be playing when the Asian Cup was being held in Asia.

Despite United’s visit being supported by the Tourism Ministry as part of the 50th Year of Independence Celebrations and Visit Malaysia Year, pressure applied by the AFC forced the event to be called off. United have also included Hong Kong and South Korea in their Far East tour itinerary. Manchester United’s regional office based in Hong Kong is expected to make an announcement regarding the exact dates of matches in each country soon. It is also understood that Tourism Malaysia and another major sponsor will be promoting the event in the country. Despite the economic downturn, the 80,000 capacity National Stadium in Bukit Jalil is expected to be filled. “It is going to be a great event. All efforts will be taken to ensure that the fans and the team will have a great time in Malaysia,” said a football official who declined to be named. United’s Far East tour will see the club bring 28 registered players and an entourage of approximately 100 guests as VIPs.