Union to host Manchester United on July 21

The Eagles and Philadelphia Union announced Thursday that they will welcome reigning English Premier League champion Manchester United to Lincoln Financial Field on July 21st.

The match is the second leg of Manchester United's 2010 North American Tour, which also includes stops in Toronto, Kansas City and Houston. The Union's match at Colorado originally scheduled for July 21st will be moved to September 29th.

"We're very excited to be a part of such an international event at a world class facility like Lincoln Financial Field," said Union CEO and operating partner Nick Sakiewicz. "Manchester United is one of the most successful clubs in the world and to be able to compete against it as the home team on the heels of the World Cup is a truly special experience."

"This is yet another great opportunity to put Philadelphia on the world stage and tap into the success of soccer," said Eagles president Joe Banner. "We are extremely pleased to once again welcome Manchester United to Philadelphia and to Lincoln Financial Field. We've had an overwhelming response from the region with Manchester United, with a sell out in 2003 and a near capacity sell out in 2004. We are excited about the opportunity to provide the highest quality accommodations and hospitality to soccer enthusiasts from the region and beyond. We have a great partnership with Philadelphia Union, Major League Soccer and Creative Artists Agency, and we look forward to an incredibly successful match in July."

The tour begins on July 16th with Manchester United taking on Celtic F.C. in Toronto and includes games with the Union and the Kansas City Wizards before culminating in Houston as part of the 2010 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on July 28.

Founded in 1878, Manchester United won their third consecutive Barclays Premier League Championship in 2009, their 18th overall league title. Manchester United was the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968 and has since won the European Champions League two additional times. The Red Devils were also crowned the FIFA Club World Cup Champions in 2008.

"It's great to be going back to North America," said Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson. "I enjoyed the last two tours there in 2003 and 2004 immensely. The quality of the facilities is outstanding and there is real enthusiasm in the crowds. It's especially pleasing to be going in a World Cup year, when interest in football will be at its height."

Managed by Sir Alex Ferguson since 1986, Manchester United boasts a lineup full of international stars such as Wayne Rooney (England), Patrice Evra (France), Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria), Nani (Portugal), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands), Antonio Valencia (Ecuador) and legendary midfielder Ryan Giggs (Wales). Rooney scored his 100th Premier League goal this season and is currently tied for the English Premier league scoring lead with 26 goals. This April, Manchester United announced the signing of Mexican star Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez. United are committed to fielding all of its players for the North American tour who are not obligated to World Cup duties.

Tickets for this event will be available to the general public beginning May 10 at 10 a.m. through PhiladelphiaEagles.com, Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800-745-3000.