MANCHESTER United chief executive David Gill revealed the club may embark on a pre-season trip to Africa at some stage in the future and admitted a tour of Asia this summer made more sense commercially than a tour of the United States.
The Red Devils have been bowled over by the fanatical reaction of supporters on their Far East tour - before, during and after their game against FC Seoul in the South Korean capital yesterday in particular - and Gill intimated that Africa was now in their thoughts for a future pre-season campaign.
United took part in the Vodacom Challenge against South African sides Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs last summer and Gill feels there is potential for the club to increase their fan base on the continent.
"Africa is an interesting one. There's a great following for the Premier League in Africa and, as more African players come to the Premier League, you can see that getting greater," he said.
"Apparently the reception Rio Ferdinand got in Uganda (where he is planning to open a football academy) this summer was incredible. He sent me a text when he was there saying 'Mr Gill, we've got to come to Uganda'. Maybe we will."
In the meantime United are halfway through a four-match Asian tour with two games in China to come over the next week and even Gill has been surprised by the level of support the Barclays Premier League champions have received.
"You travel and you see all the coverage and the amazing support we have. Chelsea have been having a great time in America, which is fine. We do what's right for us.
"We're comfortable with the opportunities with our history, our ground, our heritage, the way we play. Those are key assets.
"We had a good tour in America in 2003. Clearly there were a few issues in 2004, when we didn't have a full squad there. I'm sure we will go to America again, whether that's at the end of the season or a pre-season.
"Obviously, with having American owners, it makes sense to go there at some stage. But they wouldn't insist that we go there.
"They would look at it from a team perspective, a commercial perspective and an overall club perspective. Looking at all those issues, it made sense for us to come here."
What do you think of an African tour? Have your say.
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You might have wanted to keep that one to yourself, David. It's probably not a good idea to tell the whole world about our future marketing plans.
"They would look at it from a team perspective, a commercial perspective and an overall club perspective. Looking at all those issues, it made sense for us to come here."
Well, one of those sounds right!
This article seems to have missed Gill's reason for considering Africa as a suitable tour venue. I mean, we can't let fans around the world follow united for free!?!?
In USA, 7 out of 10 sports fans are already basketball, baseball, NFL football or hockey fans. Good luck to Chelsea and Beckham in trying to market another product to the consumers. Whereas in Asia & Africa, MU is introducing a brand name to an already popular sport. Don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out which is smarter. Good luck to Beckham and Chelsea in USA. After all the media hype about the DB's US debut and CFC, they could only draw a 27,000+ crowd. MU draws 2.5 times that, NFL draws 3 times that, New York Yankees draw twice that on a weekly basis. This is not counting NBA on national TV. I am one skeptical American soccer fan hoping to be proven wrong.
United are 300 years to late,France were the first country to "exploit"Africa where the french language is widely spoken.Many of the leading French soccer clubs already have Acadamys well established.Arsenal seem to have stolen a march on other English clubs in obtaining African players probably due to having Arsene Wenger as manager.Africa is still one of the poorest areas in the world I just can't see how a United tour could stimulate the purchase of millons of United shirts and satelite dishes to view MUTV.I would be more impressed if they did tour Africa and gave all the profits to the starving people.
Why is it that MEN censors won't allow me to post something that has been written on many other sites? Unbelievable that you are refusing to acknowledge this. Are you really that protective/afraid of Capable Hands that you won't print something which may make him seem like all he wants from the world's poorest continent is their money?
Stevie, chew - The Carson stadium where the Galaxy holds its matches only seats that many. The MLS is a minor league sport at best in the States. A complete joke to call it Major. Bring United to Tampa and the stadium will be filled to capacity and the cannons will be loaded and ready.
Its too bad to find people publicising their wrong views on Africa of which they dont first check more than once. My question is "if you think Africa is not worth ManU vist, why was it chosen to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup." can you African critics first check your words? WE are ready for ManU tour especially here in Uganda