Bray Wanderers to take on Man Utd XI

With World Cup season in full swing, there might be some wondering where to get their football fix once it's all come to an end. But with plenty of glamorous mid-season matches on the horizon involving League of Ireland clubs, there's seemingly no end to the sporting excitement.

And on Sunday July 20^th, Bray Wanderers are set to play host to Manchester United's reserve team at the Carlisle Grounds.

The Red Devils had an unusually poor 2013/14 season as David Moyes took the reins, and many were shocked at the way they capitulated so quickly after the departure of club legend, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Nevertheless, their Reserve U21 side finished third in the Premier League table.

And with new boss, Louis Van Gaal now at the helm the time has come for a fresh start at Old Trafford, and the invitation of their reserves team to Wicklow next month gives the Irish football public the ideal chance to witness the beginning of the current Netherlands boss's tenure.

And there might just be a young fledgling or two grabbing the headlines for themselves; the next David Beckham or Ryan Giggs might just steal the show.

Currently, Bray Wanderers sit in eighth place in the league, level on points with Derry City, having drawn one and lost two of their last three games in all competitions.

But the excitement of welcoming one of the Premier League's most prestigious clubs to their home ground might just be the injection Alan Mathews' troops need to bring them out of their current slump.

Speaking about the announcement, Wanderers chairman Eddie Cox said: “We’re thrilled to welcome United to Wicklow and thrilled that they’re coming during the Bray SummerFest. There’s going to be a real party atmosphere in the town and an enormous amount to see and do for the whole community.

“We’ve got one of Ireland’s top football teams testing themselves against the best youngsters from one of the world’s biggest clubs – and we’ve also got all the fun and excitement of the Bray Air Display and the other SummerFest activities.

He added: “This match is the perfect opportunity for our players to go out and play against opposition of this calibre. It’ll be a fantastic occasion for the fans to come and see a top class club side play in Bray. It is great to have Manchester United come to Bray and I would like to thank and acknowledge all of those who have worked tirelessly in the background to make this happen.”