MANCHESTER United's new Argentinian capture Juan Sebastian Veron is the latest foreign star lined up for an appearance at Gigg Lane.

The Reds hit town on Wednesday, August 8 in a massive fund-raising match to aid the Save Our Shakers fund.

But anyone hoping to witness the £23.5 million new boy and £19 million Dutchman Ruud Van Nistelrooy taking on Andy Preece's Shakers had better make sure they already have a ticket.

Because the news from Gigg today is that the match is a sell-out - the first since the final stage of the ground redevelopment was completed.

The "Little Witch" who survived investigations in Italy over false documentation that allowed him to play for Lazio signed for United yesterday and will make his debut in Kuala Lumpur on July 22.

United cut through the red tape surrounding the Argentinian's work permit by making an advance application and have already obtained the necessary documentation for him to step straight into British football.

The first-team squad flies out next week for a pre-season tour of the Far East and it looks as if Veron will join Ruud van Nistelrooy in a friendly against a Malaysian XI.

Reports earlier this week that United could have to wait up to three weeks for a permit proved incorrect after the club confirmed Veron is already registered with the British authorities.

It means he can start training with his Old Trafford colleagues immediately he returns to England following Thursday's record-breaking transfer.

"It will be a fantastic occasion whoever they play," said Shakers boss Andy Preece. "But to be honest I am more excited about seeing the ground full.

"The match will be a warm-up for the Charity Shield a few days later so they are sure to take it seriously.

"It should be a real night to remember. They have the two new big name foreign players and now are talking about signing Frenchman Bixente Lizarazu so chances are it won't be a bad side!" he grinned. But just who leads the Shakers out on the night is still in the air as Preece admits he hasn't decided who will take the captain's armband now Nick Daws has left.

With the takeover business still not finalised the Bury boss is waiting until he knows just who he has at his disposal come the opening day of the season before making any decision.

"I have thought about it but I'm not rushing. We'll wait until the takeover situation is done and dusted," he said.

And Preece also poured scorn on the bookies who have the Shakers 100 to 1 to win the Second Division title with their nearest rivals, Chesterfield, Colchester and Cambridge who are each 66 to 1.

"They've hung us out to dry," he declared. "It seems like they've closed the book on us going down.

"But it's just an incentive for us because they wrote us off last season. As far as we are concerned it's another point we have to prove.

"But if the takeover materialises and everything goes well that 100 to 1 could be a very good price indeed!"