Reds reveal pre-season plans

The club have confirmed they will spend a week in South Africa as part of their pre-season preparations for the 2008/09 campaign.

The travelling party, which will be confirmed at a later date but will include those players not involved in Euro 2008, will fly out on 19 July for their seven-day trip.

Full details of match dates will be communicated by Sir Alex Ferguson at a press conference in February.

The Reds last visited South Africa in 2006 and the United boss is looking forward to the team's summer return.

"We really enjoyed our visit in 2006," he said. "The atmosphere in all the stadiums and the enthusiasm from the fans helped make for a great trip. All the facilities were first class and I am looking forward to returning."