The visiting English club from greater Manchester, who arrive in Dhaka on Monday, will play three friendlies against Mohammedan (May 8, Dhaka), the national youth team (May 10, Sylhet) and Abahani (May 12, Dhaka).

It was surprising to see at least one third of the squad not playing regularly this season. Among the three goalkeepers, Tariq has yet to play a single minute for Abahani, Himel has lost his first-team place at Mohammedan while Shakil is also out of the starting eleven for Sheikh Russel.

The most horrible choice was Arafat Rony, who is not even registered for any of the 11 B. League clubs, although they belong to Dhaka Mohammedan. The others who have only came out as substitutes for small periods are Jahir, Sharif and Maruf, picked for the reputation as they had represented the U-23s earlier this year.

The 20 footballers have been requested to report to coach Hasanuzzaman Babloo on May 8 at the BFF Bhaban at 7pm.

SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Shakil (Russel), Tariq (Abahani), Himel (Mohammedan); defenders: Arif (Mohammedan), Sony (Rahmatganj), Jahir, Aminul (Russel), Saikat (Chittagong Mohammedan), Wali (Abahani), Arafat Rony (no team); midfielders: Zahed (Abahani), Sharif, Zahid (Mohammedan), Maruf (Muktijoddha), Arup (Farashganj), Mamun (Brothers); forwards: Emily, Ujjal (Abahani), Robin (Farashganj).