Manchester United have confirmed they will send their top squad on a three-match Asian tour next July, but the calibre of the opposition remains a mystery.
'The tour will be considered pre-season training, and not an end of season party,' said chief executive Peter Kenyon.
The opening match will be played in Kuala Lumpur on July 21, followed by fixtures in Singapore on July 24 and Bangkok on July 28.
United have been criticised for not providing a full-strength squad for previous Asian tours but Kenyon denied that would be the case in 2001.
'It will be the first team squad, and it will be Sir Alex's choice of what will be the line-up,' Kenyon said, refusing to speculate whether stars such as David Beckham, Fabien Barthez, Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham would make the trip.
But Kenyon added: 'With the 100 per cent likelihood it will be the last season with Sir Alex in charge there will be an enormous level of commitment from this team.'
However, it was not immediately clear who the Premiership leaders would play, given the huge disparity between European and Asian standards.
Tour organisers, ProEvents Singapore, said a match against the Singapore national side has been ruled out, and the football associations in Thailand and Malaysia would make their own announcements later.
'We are trying to secure the best possible team (for the Singapore match)', ProEvents managing director John Merrit said.
A Football Association of Singapore spokesman said the side 'will contain local elements,' but he refused to be drawn on how many players would be imported for the one-off fixture.
- NEWS