Legends join Reds on tour

The stars of the current United squad are not the only famous faces who will greet fans on the DHL pre-season tour later this month.

Several club legends will accompany Sir Alex Ferguson, his staff and players on Tour 2012, which features games in South Africa, China, Norway and Sweden.

Club ambassador and former captain Bryan Robson will be with the party for the entire tour, as will South African ex-midfielder Quinton Fortune.

Former striker Andy Cole will once again experience the passion of fans in China when the Reds visit Shanghai, while fellow Treble-winner Denis Irwin is travelling to Durban.

Another South African, popular goalkeeper and now respected TV pundit Gary Bailey, will be representing the club in Cape Town.

"I’ve been fortunate to visit the Far East quite a lot in the last 12 months and the appetite for United is getting bigger and bigger," Cole says. "It’s phenomenal and I’ve often had to pinch myself and just think, 'Wow'."

Bailey adds: "South Africa always becomes very excited whenever United are coming over on a pre-season tour. There’s a huge following for the club and it will be wonderful to see United here again."

All the legends will be meeting fans and appearing at various sponsor and charity events on tour, and they can also be spotted at United’s matches and open training sessions.

More: Fortune rates tour lessons | Cole admires Chinese fans | Robson relishing tour