LANCASTER City have landed a prestige friendly with Manchester United - with the Reds due at Giant Axe next Wednesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson has promised to send a strong reserve team for the game (7.45pm kick-off) with many stars of the future gracing the field.

"It's a real coup," says City managing director Les Taylor.

"They have some very good players and it will be a cracking game."

Taylor, meanwhile, has quashed speculation linking former Blackpool owner Owen Oyston with the Dolly Blues.

Former media magnate Oyston was spotted at Giant Axe on Sunday during the charity match with the cast of TV soap Emmerdale.

That sparked rumours among the fans suggesting Oyston was set for a seat of the City board.

But Taylor tells the Citizen: "I know Owen from my time working at Blackpool.

"I saw him a few weeks ago and his daughter mentioned she would like to see the Emmerdale game.

"So they came along and enjoyed the afternoon."

City, meanwhile, are preparing for the new season with season tickets on sale from the club office.

They are available at a discounted rate until July 23.

And tickets are also on sale for the club's Centenery Ball, which will be held at Lancaster Town Hall on Friday, August 12.

Tickets are priced at £30 and are available from the club or by telephoning Taylor on 01524-382238.