Player returns after sister dies

The player also lost his father in February

Footballer Wes Brown is to fly home on Wednesday from Manchester United's tour of South Africa following the death of his pregnant sister, the club says.

The player's half-sister, Claire Fallows, died in hospital on Saturday.

She was about three months pregnant and was understood to have a history of heart problems.

Brown played in the win over Orlando Pirates on Tuesday but misses the final match of their tour and Sunday's friendly against Portsmouth in Nigeria.

"The boy wanted to play and will now go home to take up the family duties," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"It is a very difficult one to advise someone on. Only the person themselves can really make that decision."

The death of his sister, who was 36, is a further blow to Brown after his father, Bancroft, died in February.

The club confirmed to BBC Sport that Brown will not meet up with the team for the friendly match in Abuja on Sunday, where United play fellow Premier League side Portsmouth.

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