EURO 2004 fever has stretched across the pond to America and is helping sell tickets for Manchester United's tour of the States next month.

Champions World promoted the Reds USA tour in 2003 and are again putting on the shows in Chicago, Philadelphia and New York this pre-season.

And with the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes starring in Portugal, the Yanks have been given a mouth-watering preview of the stars coming from England, Germany, Italy and Scotland for the Champions World Series 2004 beginning on July 25.

United open their tour on that date in Soldier Field, Chicago, against Bayern Munich.

On July 28 they meet Celtic at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia before concluding the tour in New York with a match against AC Milan in the Giants Stadium.

United had a hugely successful four-match trip to the States last summer and their return is eagerly awaited.

Extraordinary

"United's visit a year ago was an extraordinary triumph and Americans are eager to see them again. I can't tell you how excited they are to see them again," said Rich Schneider of Champions World.

"All United's matches were a sell-out last time around but there was the factor that in Seattle the club hadn't been there for years. Then in Philadelphia you had the opening of a brand-new stadium which created a lot of interest.

"But the interest is still amazing. They are eager to see United again. Even in New York where there is so much else going on the sales are as fast as last year's rate.

"There is no doubt that all United's matches over here will be sell outs again. To be honest United would sell out venues here even if they were playing themselves.

"Americans can see the Reds on TV. They are a very visible team in the States but fans want to see them live.

"Of the players who'll be involved in Champions World matches this summer we have 55 on the rosters in Euro 2004.

"For a marketing bonus you can't get better than televising Ruud van Nistelrooy's goal against Germany, Paul Scholes effort against Croatia or Cristiano Ronaldo's performances for Portugal and saying that Americans will be able to see that kind of talent on their own doorstep next month.

"Everyone is so excited about that prospect."

Sir Alex Ferguson is, however, intending to give players on Euro 2004 duty a month-long break after their last action before reporting for pre-season.

United are now just under a month away from the USA tour and that could mean some of their Euro 2004 performers missing out on the trip to America.

"Teams have indicated they will bring their best players over," added Schneider.

"Granted, some players will play a lot less minutes because of having played in Euro 2004 but we still hope to see something of the likes of Ruud."

Meanwhile, Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has hailed the season-opening Premiership clash with former club Manchester United as "spectacular".

"It's a fantastic start to the season," said Kenyon. "It will excite everyone associated with the club and is sure to kick off the new season in a spectacular way."

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