‘TOUGH TEST' FOR UNITED

Last updated : 01 June 2006 By Editor

From the MEN:

Gary Bailey has warned that the Reds' pre-season tour of his homeland will provide a stern test.

The three-game trip will be United's first to South Africa for 13 years, and Bailey says the matches against Orlando Pirates (July 15), Kaizer Chiefs (July 18) and a third fixture to be confirmed on July 22 will tune the players up well for the new season.

"I don't think any of United's games will be easy. I think it will be a good test for them before the start of next season.

"You can't mess about with so-called minor opposition because on their day they can be very useful, especially when you're playing in an unfamiliar environment in very difficult conditions."