ANDY Preece might consider it a warm up for Saturday's league opener at Tranmere but for Shakers fans, tomorrow's clash against mighty Manchester United could be the match of the year writes Steve Canavan

A full house of 11,000 will pack into Gigg Lane for the mouthwatering Bury Times sponsored clash.

The likes of David Beckham, Fabien Barthez and Juan Veron will be on show as the Shakers attempt to beat the awesome Premiership champions.

It is going to be a match to remember and the perfect curtain raiser to the season.

And while Preece will learn a lot about his players from the way they equip themselves against the world's best, he could learn just as much by studying the visiting manager's dugout.

For Preece believes that Sir Alex Ferguson is the ideal role model for every manager - including himself.

Emulate

"He is a manager I look up to and I want to emulate," admitted Preece, on the eve of his second full season in management.

"You just have to look at what he has achieved. It is fantastic. He was given time at the beginning which every manager needs and he has turned them into the best team in Europe.

"Alex Ferguson is the kind of manager you want to be and even though it's only a friendly it will be nice to be at the same game as him and having a shot at his great side."

Ferguson is keeping his cards close to his chest about what team he will choose but many big name stars are expected to get a run out in preparation for United's Charity Shield showdown with Liverpool on Sunday.

Preece will play his strongest team - which will include Baichung Bhutia who returns after playing for India on Saturday - though he will tell the players, especially the youngers ones, not to get too carried away.

"We still have to focus on the first match of the season at Tranmere. That match is far more important," said Preece.

"I don't want some of the lads getting too excited and using up all their energy

"This is a nice diversion but the main target is the league."

The match should be a cracker then and for the players it's a chance to improve not just their football skills but their shirt collection too.

Because if the likes of David Beckham do play then there are sure to be a few Bury players queuing up at the end to swap shirts.

Chance

"I don't blame the players if they do, it's a good chance for them," added Preece.

"Besides United can afford to give their shirts away, they have different ones for every game. We have to keep the same shirt for three of four seasons!"

DISCUSSIONS with Oxford's Matt Murphy are continuing and Terry Robinson is hopeful the midfielder will be a Bury player by the end of the week. Robinson also ruled out a bid for Manchester United youngster George Clegg.