18-Man South Africa Tour Squad Named

Tour Squad Named
By Chris O'Brien
July 24 2006

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed an 18-man squad for the forthcoming tour of South Africa, deciding against taking any players who featured in the World Cup. Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are the party's "household" names as the Red Devils prepare for the three match tour.

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed an 18-man touring squad as his United side prepare for their pre-season tour of South Africa.

The Scotsman will be relying heavily on United's young starlets as he sticks to his decision of naming none of the club's World Cup representatives within the squad for the 10-day tour.

The leading names within the squad are Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The latter two stars are both on the comeback trail following long-term injuries and this excursion to South Africa will be crucial to their fitness ahead of the new season. John O'Shea, Wes Brown and Kieran Richardson are other 'household' names who will make the trip.

The name Dong Fangzhuo will catch the attention of a few supporters. The Chinese striker has been on loan with Royal Antwerp for two seasons as he does not yet qualify for a European Passport to play in the UK, however he represented the club in Asia last summer and is set to play a leading role this time around.

Ben Foster is expected to keep goal for the Red Devils during the tour before making a season-long loan move to Watford. The youngster is full of confidence having been placed on 'stand-by' for England's World Cup squad, and will have the perfect chance to prove his worth to Sir Alex Ferguson as he makes his club debut in the absence of Edwin Van Der Sar. The former Stoke City shot stopper will be backed-up by another exciting prospect, Luke Steele.

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ben Foster; Luke Steele.

Defenders: Phil Bardsley; Danny Simpson; John O’Shea; Wes Brown; Jonathan Evans; Patrice Evra.

Midfielders: David Jones; Darren Fletcher; Kieran Richardson; Chris Eagles; Liam Miller; Paul Scholes; Ryan Giggs

Forwards: Giuseppe Rossi; Ole Solskjaer; Fangzhuo Dong.