England stars to be excused United's South Africa tour

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney shows his frustration after missing a shot against Birmingham City on March 26. Alex Ferguson said Rooney and United's other England stars will be left out of the club's pre-season tour of South Africa if Sven-Goran Eriksson's side reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Wayne Rooney and Manchester United's other England stars will be left out of the club's pre-season tour of South Africa if Sven-Goran Eriksson's side reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed.

"We have to give players who play in the World Cup quarter-finals and beyond sufficient rest and recovery time before they report for pre-season training," United's manager explained Thursday.

"But the tour does give those players not involved in the quarter-finals a great chance to prepare as well as providing an ideal platform to do what Manchester United has always done best - give our talented younger players the opportunity to display their skills and make a claim for regular first-team football."

With Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville all certain to be involved with the national side and England widely expected to reach the last eight of the World Cup, there is a strong chance that United will under-take the July 13-22 tour without three of their biggest names.

The likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes should be on board however as the Red Devils play three matches against South African clubs.

Following criticism of the draining impact of recent pre-season tours of Asia and the United States, Ferguson said the trip to South Africa would be ideal preparation for the new Premiership season.

"The time difference of just two hours between the United Kingdom and South Africa is key," said the Scot.

"We anticipate arriving fresh, training well, playing good, competitive matches and returning home ready for the challenge of the new season.

"It is essential we get a good start to the season, so our preparation has to be right.

"The facilities for training are excellent and the level of competition should leave everyone sharp."

After their South African trip, United plan to take part in the four-team Amsterdam tournament in early August and there are also plans for a glamour friendly with Barcelona, providing Ferguson's men are not involved in Champions League qualifying.

United will go straight into the group stages of the competition if, as looks likely, they hold off Liverpool to finish second in the Premiership this season.