Manchester United to play 2 games in Japan in July

Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson looks on ahead of the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage stadium in London, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Manchester United to play 2 games in Japan in July

Published: 08:16:09 AM, Thu 07 February 2013 UTC

TOKYO (AP) — Premier League leader Manchester United says it will play a second pre-season friendly in Japan against Cerezo Osaka as part of its 2013 tour in July.

Alex Ferguson's team will take on Cerezo at Nagai Stadium in Osaka on July 26, three days after a match against Yokohama F Marinos at International Stadium Yokohama, site of the 2002 World Cup final.

It will be Manchester United's first tour of Japan since 2007 when the team played Urawa Reds.

Manchester United chief executive David Gill said: "Manchester United first visited Japan over 20 years ago and our fans have always shown great support for the Club. We are all looking forward to returning and playing a great game against Cerezo Osaka which will allow us to prepare for the 2013-14 season."

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