English Premier League champions Manchester United will make their debut at the HKFC Philips Lighting International Soccer 7's next month.
'[United] have always performed solidly in the Milk Cup tournament in Northern Ireland, producing players like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs,' according to a press release issued by Philips.
The news came during a press conference to announce that Philips has extended its sponsorship of the Soccer 7's until 2007.
The Red Devils will be joined by two other Premier League sides - Aston Villa, the defending champions, and Arsenal, who are expected to include rising star David Bentley in their lineup.
The three teams will headline the main tournament, which will be held on May 29 and 30 at the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC).
'The event continues to provide a must-see attraction for soccer fans in Hong Kong,' said Matthew Penman, vice-president of Philips Lighting Luminaries Asia Pacific. 'The tournament is rapidly becoming one of the city's premier international sporting events.'