November 26, 2014: Manchester United will launch its new series of ‘United: Live’ fan festivals and Red Vs Red matches in Bangkok from December 14-15, before staging similar events in Jakarta and Beijing.

Andy Cole, the former England striker, and Ronny Johnsen, the former Norway centre-back, will captain sides in the Red Vs Red match in Bangkok, where fans have the opportunity to play with club heroes.

Designed to bring fans together to celebrate Manchester United, United: Live encompasses two programmes – Football Festivals and Red v Red matches. Johannesburg is also on the schedule as Manchester United targets Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa and China, with the club stating it has 264 million followers in the four countries.

The Football Festival will be held in Bangkok, Jakarta and Beijing and is a multi-zone football and entertainment experience. Attractions includes exclusive, live screenings of ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’ – an interactive experience which examines the history of the Club – live music acts, Manchester United Soccer Schools events, the chance to quiz club legends in live Q&A sessions and club partner fan zones.

Red Vs Red matches, which will be held in Bangkok, Johannesburg and Beijing, features two club legends captaining opposing teams, with fans sharing the pitch with some of the club’s most famous players.

Richard Arnold, Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, said: “United: Live is the latest example of the club’s determination to engage with its fans, wherever they live. These innovative and interactive events will allow our fans in Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa and China to share and deepen their passion for the Club. With the help of our family of commercial partners we aim to captivate, entertain and interact with the people who make this club unique – its fans.”