Reds arrange Blues double

United’s Reserves have organised three extra friendlies in readiness for the new campaign, including a double header against Chelsea’s second string.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will face their southern counterparts in Northwich, before travelling to the Blues’ Cobham training ground for a return match eight days later.

The Reds will also squeeze in a runout against Northwich Victoria at the Marston's Arena, after the friendly against Oxford United and the Lancashire Senior Cup final against Liverpool.

The Reds' second string have made a promising start to the pre-season preparations. Solskjaer's first match at the helm ended with a 3-1 victory at Burscough, and United were 3-0 up in last weekend's friendly at Altrincham when it was abandoned four minutes before full-time.

Solskjaer will hope the glut of games can help his young charges improve their fitness and sharpness ahead of the Barclays Premier Reserve League (north) opener against Blackburn Rovers on September 18.