Post by Macmoish on Jul 2, 2010 11:51:38 GMT
QPR: Still waiting... Sheff U Off Site
Blades to face Argentine giants
Posted on: Fri 02 Jul 2010
United have pulled off a major coup by bringing world-renowned Estudiantes to Bramall Lane for a pre-season friendly on Sunday 1 August.
The Argentine giants, currently managed by former Blades midfielder Alex Sabella, complete Kevin Blackwell's preparations for the new season in a fixture that will bring the curtain down on United's Open Day, planned for the same day.
Estudiantes are the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, the South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League and narrowly lost out to Barcelona in FIFA's World Club Cup Final.
Chief Executive Trevor Birch said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for our supporters to watch our team against footballers with a great tradition of skilful football, and we are grateful that Estudiantes are making the trip just to play against ourselves."
Founded in 1905, Estudiantes will provide the Blades with a real pre-season test. One of the top teams in the world, two members of their squad - Juan Sebastian Veron and Clemente Rodriguez - are currently representing Argentina in the World Cup.
Sports consultant Carly Barnes who is co-ordinating the visit, said: "Estudiantes De La Plata is a world class team and they are very much looking forward to this game. They are well aware Sheffield is the place where football was born, and consider it a great honour to come and play against United. We all hope this will be the beginning of a positive and constructive relationship between the two clubs."
Birch added: "They have a great club, admired around the world, and it is a tribute to the strength of our own International brand that Sheffield United's own image is developing in terms of its global recognition."
The friendly, on Sunday 1 August, will kick-off at 4pm and will follow hours of fun for all Blades fans at the Club's annual Open Day.
The Open Day is an annual pre-season event which attracts thousands of supporters of all ages, and is designed to whet the appetite ahead of another assault on the Championship. It will once again be free, whilst the prestigious friendly will be priced to enable fans of all ages the chance to see United pit their wits against South American flair. Tickets are £10 (adults), £5 (concessions) and £23 (family ticket, consisting of two adults and two children) and go on sale from Monday (5 July).
www.sufc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10418~2083145,00.html
