Manchester United to Visit Sydney in 2013 Pre-Season tour

Manchester United has today announced it is to travel to Sydney to play a friendly match against the Australian A-League All Stars as part of its 2013 pre-season tour.

This will be only the fifth visit the club has made to Australia, the first being in 1967. The team last played there as Treble winners in 1999.

Announcing the game, United chief executive David Gill said: “The game and training camp that will take place in Sydney will be an important part of the team’s preparation for the 2013/14 season. We are delighted to accept the invitation from the New South Wales Government and the Football Federation Australia to visit one of the world’s truly great cities.

“There are three main reasons we go on pre-season tour. First and foremost is the team’s preparation for the season ahead. But the tour also allows us to engage with our global fan base and network of commercial partners. It has been a while since we last visited Sydney and we are looking forward to renewing our relationship with our loyal and enthusiastic Australian fans.”

The whole Manchester United first team will train in Sydney for six days, playing the game on 20 July at the Sydney ANZ Stadium.