Manchester United rule out pre-season trip to India

Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded that a defiant message be sent to his club's rivals. 'We're not going away, and I'm not either' (AP)

Manchester United will not be making their first pre-season trip to India this summer.

Reports had emerged suggesting the Red Devils were being lined up for a high-profile friendly with Juventus, scheduled to take place in Kolkata on August 1.

As recently as Tuesday, it was suggested the Indian Football Federation had given the green light to the venture.

Had the match taken place it would have been United's first visit to the country.

More importantly, it would have added even more mileage on to an already exhaustive pre-season programme that, while still mostly unconfirmed, is likely to include visits to South Africa and China before a match against Norwegian outfit Valerenga in Oslo on August 5.

However, it appears the reports are false, with United officials confirming to Press Association Sport this morning that no trip to India will be incorporated within United's pre-season schedule.

It is anticipated most of the summer programme will be confirmed next week.

There is likely to be an obvious gap to be filled though as, after relinquishing their Premier League title to Manchester City, United will not be involved in the Community Shield for only the fifth time in 20 years.

As yet, United have not arranged an alternative match, although this would definitely not take place at Old Trafford, which hosts its final Olympic match - a men's semi-final - on August 7.

PA