Oxford today announced their almost complete pre-season friendlies line-up, including two games against Premiership opposition. There is one game that has yet to be confirmed, which will occur on Saturday 29 July, but two home games so far announced will be against Portsmouth, on Friday 4 August, and Manchester United, on Tuesday 8 August. Arry Redknapp has said that Pompey will be at full-strength, while the Red Devils may be at full strength, or may feature Ruud van Nistelrooy instead. Both games are likely to have large attendances, and as their main purpose is revenue building that’s probably a good thing.

United have also confirmed the two friendlies that Rage Online announced on Wednesday. The first game of the pre-season will be at Court Place Farm against Oxford City, on Saturday 22 July, while the game at Eastleigh has been confirmed for Wednesday 26 July. Two days later, on Friday 28 July, United will send a team to play Milton United, as part of the deal whereby the Us will be using Milton’s base as a permanent training facility for the next three years. The final July game is at Banbury United, where United will play Kevin Brock’s team on Monday 31 July.

In addition to the two home games, the club has also announced two away friendlies before the season starts on 12 August. The day after the Banbury game, on Tuesday 1 August, United will visit Didcot Town. Then, on the final Saturday before the season starts, on 5 August, Brackley Town will host a United side.

The other pre-season event that has been announced is a return to the Club open day, on Saturday 8 July. These used to be regular occurences up the Manor, but have not featured at all since the move to Minchery Farm. Fans will be able to meet the players, as well as have a tour of the stadium and partake in a variety of doubtless fun-filled activities. As well as meet the players.