The European champions play their first tour match against Kaizer Chiefs at Cape Town's Newlands Stadium on Saturday.

United also face Orlando Pirates in Durban on July 22 before playing one of the two South Africa sides again at Loftus Stadium four days later.

The tour concludes with a friendly in Abuja, Nigeria, against FA Cup winners Portsmouth on July 27.

Ferguson believes told MUTV: "The games in South Africa aren't easy games. It's a good, competitive level, so that should bring us on a good deal.

"I think by the time we get to the start of the season we'll be really ready."