FC United of Manchester- the breakaway club set up by United fans opposed to the Malcolm Glazer takeover - will play their first game at Leigh's Hilton Park on July 16.

Karl Marginson, ex-Rotherham and Macclesfield striker and a lifelong Red Devils fan, has been recruited as manager because of his experience of the local semi-professional scene.

"It is incredibly exciting to be involved at the birth of a project such as this," the 34-year-old said.

"As a kid I used to play on the pitch used by Newton Heath 100 years ago, so I had no hesitation in accepting."

FC United of Manchester were set up by fans disillusioned after Malcolm Glazer's takeover at Old Trafford, and have been accepted into the North West Counties League for 2005-06.

They have already been contacted by 260 potential players for the open trials on Sunday, while an emergency general meeting on July 5 will determine the new club's board.

"We have had 15 people working on this project night and day for the past fortnight," said Andy Walsh, a fierce opponent of Glazer and a member of the FC United steering committee.

"Even at this stage, we are taking a massive leap into the unknown. But I think everyone is aware how serious we are.

"This is not just a reaction to Malcolm Glazer, it is about taking a stand for the vast number of ordinary fans who have been priced out of the game in recent years."

Before the North West Counties Division Two campaign begins, they will play friendlies against Conference North side Leigh RMI and fellow fans' club AFC Wimbledon.

FC United have also announced that they will play in red, white and black.