By Emily Goddard
December 10 – Manchester United will travel to Sydney to play a friendly match against the Australian A-League All Stars as part of its 2013 preseason tour, it was confirmed today.
This will be the fifth visit the English Premier League giants have made to Australia and its first visit to the nation since it played as treble champions on the two-match tour in 1999.
United’s first team will train in Sydney for six days, playing the game on July 20 at the Sydney ANZ Stadium against an All Stars line-up that represents the best of the Hyundai A-League, with the team to be preselected by fans.
“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,” Manchester United chief executive David Gill said.
“We are delighted to accept the invitation from the New South Wales Government and the Football Federation Australia (FFA) 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.”
FFA chief executive David Gallop (pictured above) welcomed the announcement of the high-profile match as another great opportunity to showcase football in the country.
“Having Manchester United as the opponent for our first ever A-League All Star game will put the Hyundai A-League on the world stage,” Gallop explained.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Australian fans will get to see the Red Devils in action against the best A-League players.
“It’s a massive opportunity for our players and one the fans won’t want to miss.
“On behalf of the football community, I thank Manchester United, the New South Wales Government, its agency Destination NSW, and ANZ Stadium for making this tour possible.”
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell echoed Gallop’s words and said he is pleased to host Manchester United in Sydney.
“Manchester United will play a not-to-be-missed match against an A-League All Stars team at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 20 July 2013.”
“I’m looking forward to welcoming Manchester United back to Sydney – their first visit to NSW since 1999.
“Manchester United is the most successful English football club in history, having won 19 Premier League titles, 11 FA Cups and three European Cups, and the match against our A-League team promises to be an exhilarating contest.
“I invite Manchester United fans and football fans across the world to come to Sydney to enjoy the best in world football, in Australia’s premier sports and major events city.”
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