BANGKOK, March 1 — English Premier League leader Manchester United announced Thursday it would play an exhibition game in Bangkok as part of the club’s 2013 pre-season tour.
The match will be played July 13 at Rajamangala Stadium and will see United take on the Singha All Star XI.
Piti Bhirombhakdi, director of Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., the parent company of Singha Corporation Co., Ltd. said Singha, United’s official beer partner, will be the match sponsor, with the game forming part of the Thai brewer’s 80th anniversary celebrations. The winner of this exciting match will become the first winner of the Singha 80th Anniversary Cup.
Sports Authority of Thailand Governor Kanokphand Chulakasem, Football Association of Thailand chief Worawi Makudi, Manchester United Asia Pacific Managing Director Jamie Reigle, as well as former Manchester United captain and now brand ambassador Bryan Robson were present at the match announcement.
Mr Piti said the Red Devils have not visited the country in 12 years. They will travel to Thailand with MU’s first team squad led by Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
However, he said, the squad would be without striker “Chicharito” Javier Hernandez who must play for his Mexican national team.
Mr Piti said that the team was scheduled to arrive on July 11 and would attend activities organised by Singha Corperation before playing against the Singha All Star XI July 13.
United’s first visit to Thailand was in 1975 and the club has returned a further three times for pre-season friendlies. This will be its fifth trip to Thailand.
The match will open United’s 2013 tour which includes games in Sydney, Yokohama, Osaka and Hong Kong.
