South African Sunday Times:
'Clear your schedule for January 18 — that’s when Manchester United will take on Orlando Pirates at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
While thousands of local United fans are dying to see the glamour team in action, United’s pending trip here has proven to be a daunting task for stakeholders. Pirates are scheduled to play Jomo Cosmos on January 19, which means they need to have that game postponed, but PSL CEO Trevor Phillips stood his ground and said that he was not going to delay an official league match for a friendly clash. Phillips said the only option was to bring forward the Pirates/Cosmos match because postponements hurt the league programme. January 18 is the only available date on United’s busy schedule.
Pirates spokesman Mickey Modi-sane said he was waiting for an official briefing from chairman Irvin Khoza, who has been dealing with Ellis Park CEO George Stainton.
"We are waiting for final confirmation from Manchester United," said Stainton. Initial arrangements involved United playing Kaizer Chiefs, but the PSL champions have a crowded schedule and reluctantly pulled out. Chiefs have a lot of catching up to do in the league, having played the least number of games.'
Err and United haven't????
Surely even our commercial department could not have got away with organising a MIDWEEK friendly six thousand miles away?
A United spokesman wasn't available when we tried to contact them for a comment this morning.