Blades fans are being offered the perfect preparation for the new npower Championship season - by staying in Sheffield's number one hotel - the Copthorne at Bramall Lane.

The Copthorne is offering a two night stay (either Friday 30th/Saturday 31st or Saturday 31st/Sunday 1st), which includes tickets for the prestigious friendly with Estudiantes, set to take place on Sunday 1st August at 4pm.

The price for two people sharing, which includes breakfast, match tickets, and a VIP tour at United's Open Day, scheduled for before the Estudiantes game, is just £119. All room bookings will receive a discount voucher against an evening meal. And, that's not all, children stay free when sharing with parents.

Subject to availability, conditions apply. Call 0114 2525480 for more details.

Kevin Blackwell is keen for the Bramall Lane to be as full as possible for the testing friendly with the Argentines.

He said: "We are disappointed that our first league game is away from home, but the Estudiantes fixture gives us the chance to whet the appetite. We are playing one of the world's top teams and it would be great to show them how passionate Blades fans are."

Blackwell's opposite number, Estudiantes manager Alex Sabella is a former Blades legend and is keen to return to the Lane. He added: "It's an exciting time to have Estudiantes come to Sheffield for a match and to start a partnership with my former club."

Tickets for the fixture are on sale now priced:

Season Ticket Holders: £10 (adults), £8 (concessions) and £5 (under 16s).

General sale: £15 (adults), £10 (concessions), £5 (under 16s).

Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £23 (Season Ticket Holders), £33 (general).

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Ticket Office, over the telephone on 0871 995 1889 or online.