MANCHESTER UNITED are likely to take on a National League selection in late July in Dublin as part of their preparations for the new English season, it was announced by the FAI yesterday.
The club have already confirmed their intention to play Portadown on July 27th and a provisional arrangement has been made for them to play a second game the following day in the republic.
Most of the Irish team would be unavailable due to their own preseason programmes, with the result that the locally based players are likely to be given the opportunity to take part in the game. Tolka or Dalymount Park would look to be the most likely venues, as Lansdowne Road is unavailable on that date.
Meanwhile, the FAI will this evening reveal the findings of management consultant Ray Cass, who was hired by the association in the aftermath of the World Cup ticket debacle to look at the structures of the organisation.
The report is expected to recommend new and tighter procedures for the handling of match tickets, while some reorganisation of responsibilities within Merrion Square may also be proposed for discussion by the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the FAI.
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