Manchester United blog..

So United are on tour in South Africa doing their bit to spread the gospel and expand the brand, last night they took on Orlando Pirates in Durban in a game that was at times fairly competitive due to several meaty challenges by the home team. Lee Martin scored a well taken goal to win the match in doing so propelling the Reds into Saturday's final of the Vodacom Challenge Cup where they will probably meet the Kaizer Chiefs who they drew with on Sunday in Cape Town.

Somewhat surprisingly it wasn't a full house in the Absa Stadium with tickets costing between £16 and £3, but those who were there appeared to enjoy the occasion, at least it looked that way via Tinker Telly aka Setanta Sports.

Despite the usual accusations that United are trying to cash-in on these money making summer tours, they do actually serve some purpose as its apart of the pre-season fitness build-up. This summer's tour of South Africa also gives Fergie one last chance to decide which youngsters should be retained and who should be sold on and thanks to the wonders of satellite TV the shop window is very much open for any would be bargain hunters looking to secure those unlucky enough to be deemed surplus to requirements.

Of the players on view last night Frazier Campbell is probably the one who is giving Fergie the most headaches, there's no doubt that the lad has bags of skill and pace to burn, but you do wonder if the manager is feeling some pressure to offload players from the Glazer family - especially given Fergie's insistence that Ronaldo is retained at all costs.

Jonny Evans is another who has shown a great deal of early promise, but I suspect he could be sold this summer along with Lee Martin and Chris Eagles. The trio are good enough to make a good living from the game, but whether that will be in the Premier League only time will tell.