The MEN reports:
'United will launch an Asian charm offensive next summer in a bid to extend their 40 million fan base in the region. Precise details of next July's tour are still to be finalised but United are set to play in China and Japan, countries where they believe there is most room for expansion.'
"We want our tours to create a halo effect," said Anson. "We have some key international territories and Asia is one of them. There are millions of mad, passionate Manchester United fans in that part of the world and I think we are currently under-serving them." Erm surely he means under-exploiting them?
"We are trying to create a sense of excitement in our target markets, so when we do go on tour we will make sure plenty of the media content we create around it will be directed at the relevant local markets."
So expect Dong Fangzhou to be recalled from his loan with Royal Antwerp next summer.