INTERNATIONAL NONSENSE

Last updated : 27 July 2004 By editor

Gabriel Heinze's fledgling Manchester United career is set to suffer further disruption from yet more international demands with Argentina.

United's mood will not be improved by confirmation that Argentina's run to the Copa America final means they will take part in next summer's eight-team Confederations Cup in Germany that runs until June 29.

Argentina will effectively become South America's representatives in the bi-annual competition, which acts as a warm-up for the 2006 World Cup, as Brazil had already qualified as World Cup winners.

Although the competition - which also includes Germany, Euro 2004 winners Greece, Tunisia, Mexico, plus the winners of the on-going Asian Cup and, in all probability, Australia - does not cut across the domestic season, the late finish is likely to mean Heinze will miss United's pre-season tour to China and Japan next summer.