Manchester United MD Hails 'Exemplary' Transition

Manchester United group managing director Richard Arnold believes the manner of this summer's handover of power at Old Trafford underlines the Red Devils' inherent stability.

Not only has Sir Alex Ferguson left his position after 26 years, chief executive David Gill has stood aside as well 11 years after succeeding Peter Kenyon.

Yet there was no power vacuum.

For Arnold and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward have divided up Gill's responsibilities between them.

And a day after Ferguson's exit was confirmed, which itself came on the morning following the first rumours of an impending departure, David Moyes was installed as his fellow Scot's successor.

"To go through the succession we have been through represents a big change," Arnold said.

"The way the transition was achieved characterises how well the club has been run by David and Sir Alex."

Shirt sponsors Aon, experts in risk management, were asked for their input into what, in Ferguson's case at any rate, was one of the riskiest decisions United have had to make for a quarter of a century.

In the end, it was decided to go with the Scot's own belief David Moyes was best suited to the role.

"The man widely accredited as having the best judgement in football had a long period of time to think about the inheritance he was passing on," said Arnold.

"He wanted to make sure the squad was in the right shape and the timing was done from a position of strength. That is exactly where the club is.

"When you look at the preparation that went into that and the position Sir Alex put himself in to make that transition, as an example of how to prepare, even down to how we managed the communication around it, it was an exemplary job."

If there is an unknown about Moyes in terms of operating at the very highest level, his credentials as a manager are solid.

Less certain is how Woodward and Arnold will fare in the often bewildering, shark-infested world that is football recruitment, which seems to have different rules to any other sphere of society.

Yet Arnold claims Woodward, whose job it now is to negotiate transfers and new contracts, is not quite the rookie everyone imagines him to be.

"David (Gill) had been preparing both myself and Ed in quite some detail about the way it all works," said Arnold.

"Ed has been particularly well briefed about the operations of how we transact with players, both the fantastic ones we already have and if there is an opportunity to buy.

"As befits a man of his nature, David did a fantastic job in the nurturing he has given us, the preparation and handover.

"Laying the flight path to the runway is all about preparation.

"Everyone is well aware of the change. But from the inside, in the context of having to make the change, it has been fantastically well done."

Schmeichel: AIK A Key Game

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel believes the last fixture of the 2013 Tour presented by Aon against AIK Fotball will be a key one for David Moyes.

The new Reds boss will have the full squad at his disposal for the first time since taking over in the summer and must be starting to think about his line-up for the start of the defence of the Barclays Premier League title. Goalkeeping great Schmeichel is eagerly anticipating the new era at Old Trafford and warns that the club's rivals are waiting to pile on the pressure.

"AIK will be very fit, the Scandinavian season is ongoing at the moment and any team you play from this region will be match-fit," Schmeichel stressed to ManUtd.com. "There will be a gap in terms of skill and I expect United to be fit as well but a little off the pace in terms of how we play in pre-season.

"It’s still one of the most important games David Moyes has had. The thing is the result doesn’t matter but we as players know this is not about losing anything. These are the games where you have to start winning. In terms of the Community Shield, it’s one of those where it doesn’t matter how much we do beforehand, we are always going to go into the season under pressure.

"It doesn’t matter how well we’ve played or how much we’ve done commercially. Everyone wants to have a dig and you can see that by some clubs' activity as they are going out and dealings have been done at Manchester City and Chelsea. Arsenal are making £40million bids. We’ve never seen that before. They are looking at this as an opportunity to put pressure on the players and the manager and the club right from the word go.

"The AIK game is played more or less at UK time, when people can watch it live. We need to win this game and try and keep the pressure down and keep the media, more or less, quiet. But we know it’s not going to happen. It is something we have to accept because we are Manchester United but it doesn't help anyone."

The Treble-winner believes Moyes will have a firm plan in his mind in terms of his personnel for the opener at Swansea City by the time the Community Shield against Wigan Athletic comes around.

"I think the new manager will want to have his starting XI for the first game of the season and play that in the Community Shield," explained Schmeichel. "AIK is a nice game to have and also the last one probably for the players to stake that claim for a place in the XI.

"So it’s very, very important. This happens in pre-season every year as the players who won the Premier League finish and go off on international duty. In that respect, Manchester United are always hit more than other clubs because most of the players are internationals. They are playing well into June and everyone needs that break because you require at least four weeks off.

"It’s the end of the tour now and most players have been back for a few weeks and are coming into form. A few players have been injured. We’re expecting Wayne [Rooney] to play in Stockholm and hopefully that will put a lid on all the debate about his future."

Trio Lead By Example

United Reserves coach Warren Joyce has expressed his admiration for the three first-teamers involved at Crewe Alexandra on Monday and revealed Nemanja Vidic was always scheduled to be substituted.

The Serbian centre-back played alongside skipper Tom Thorpe in the 2-0 victory and was withdrawn after slightly more than an hour with midfielder Ben Pearson taking his place. Nani was also taken off, following his matchwinning two-goal display, but Antonio Valencia featured for the full 90 minutes.

"I think all three of them worked well," Joyce told MUTV. "While the other boys have been away, they've worked through it and done everything with the younger players.

"They are good examples of how to do things right and I thought all three acquitted themselves very well.

"We've not been careful with Vida really, we've just done what we had to do and put him in situations where he's had to defend under stress in training. I thought he was comfortable out there and we'd planned just to play him that long so, touch wood, he is okay.

"The first-team players started here to work on their fitness and build a level and we're just hoping to get them back to the level where they can join in and be around about the same as the other players and continue in the first-team games."

United Partner With PepsiCo

Manchester United Football Club (NYSE:MANU) and PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) today announced a multi-year regional sponsorship agreement in Asia-Pacific.

Under terms of the agreement, PepsiCo will become the Official Soft Drinks Partner of Manchester United in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.

PepsiCo will hold exclusive rights to use Manchester United branding on its products and point of sale materials within these markets. Manchester United enjoys a combined fan base of more than 38 million consumers in these seven countries. Connecting this fan base to PepsiCo’s strong portfolio of brands is expected to unlock new growth opportunities and further increase the reach and popularity of the Manchester United and Pepsi brands in the region.

Pepsi has a long and successful heritage in football marketing, leveraging it as a platform to connect with consumers in relevant and engaging ways. Football is the number one sport in South East Asia and Manchester United, the number one club, has a strong ‘home’ in this region.

Throughout Manchester United’s 135 year heritage it has grown to become the most recognisable and biggest sports brand in the world, winning 61 trophies and boasting a global fan base of 659 million followers.

Manchester United Group Managing Director Richard Arnold comments: "Manchester United and Pepsi are two iconic brands and the Club is delighted to be teaming up with PepsiCo as our Official Soft Drinks partner in these seven territories in Asia.

"Our huge following in this region and the strong popularity of both brands within Asia-Pacific can only benefit our fans. PepsiCo understands what our fans love and through our partnership will be bringing them exciting promotions and incentives getting them closer to the Club they support.

"PepsiCo is an ideal partner for Manchester United because of its unique understanding of sports and inventive marketing initiatives. We’re excited to team up with PepsiCo during this important time in our history and welcome this world-class company as one of our partners."

Mustafa Moussa, Senior Marketing Director for Social Beverages, PepsiCo Asia-Pacific, comments: "Sports represent a huge global platform for PepsiCo, and we’re delighted to be teaming up with Manchester United in Asia Pacific. The combination of Manchester United’s stature as one of the world’s most iconic sports franchises and PepsiCo’s portfolio of beloved brands will create exciting new opportunities for consumers throughout the region.

"The partnership brings to life Pepsi’s “Live for Now” positioning, which was launched in Asia Pacific in January this year. Working with the biggest names in sports and entertainment, we look forward to enabling consumers to celebrate their passion for Pepsi and Manchester United."

Monaco Will Not Rule Out Bid For Nani

Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev claims the club have been offered the chance to sign Manchester United winger Nani.

The Portugal international's future at Old Trafford remains in doubt following the arrival of new manager David Moyes.

Nani has a year left to run on his current deal and the big-spending French outfit could offer him a lucrative move to the principality.

Claudio Ranieri has already splashed the cash by acquiring the likes of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho, Eric Abidal and Jeremy Toulalan.

And Vasilyev has not ruled out a bid for the 26-year-old towards the end of the summer transfer window.

"He has been proposed to us," Vasilyev told French newspaper L'Equipe. "He is a very good player, but there have been no talks so far.

"We have already changed our group quite a bit and we also want to offer opportunities to our young players.

"We still have time to make a few alterations before the end of the transfer window, if needed."

Moyes Prepared For Backlash From Impatient Fans

New Manchester United manager David Moyes insists he is prepared for a backlash from impatient supporters.

Moyes is still settling into his post at Old Trafford after replacing Sir Alex Ferguson in June, and some fans are already questioning the club's lack of transfer activity since his arrival.

But the former Everton boss believes a sense of perspective is required as he sets about stamping his own mark at the club.

"If you win one game folk will think you are good. If you lose one folk will think you are rubbish," said Moyes.

"You hope there is a little bit of sense and people understand where you are going. It is a big job. It is a new job. It will take time, as it would for anybody else."

And Moyes is adamant United can compete in the transfer market despite even more competition with the riches now flowing in France at Paris St Germain and Monaco.

"That is not something Manchester United are frightened of," Moyes added. "Manchester United are more than happy to compete with all of the teams.

"There has been a change in the dynamic because of PSG coming on the scene recently. That has altered things.

"But Manchester United will always compete. One thing it has got is the history. It has got the name. It has got the success. That is a big pull for any player."

Ferdinand Says Experience Will Be Key To Moyes Being A Success

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes experience will be key to their chances of success under David Moyes.

The Premier League champions will start this season under a new manager for the first time in more than 25 years following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

And Ferdinand believes it is only natural that Moyes will want to lean on the senior professionals in his squad as he settles into the job of managing one of the biggest football clubs in the world.

"The manager beforehand was an individual. There won't be anyone like him, you can't expect anyone to fill his boots exactly the same way," Ferdinand told Sky Sport News.

"I don't think you can draw comparisons with them yet, we need to give the manager time.

"I just look at it how I would be in the job. Would you lean on players that have been here for many years for the experience and ask questions to better yourself? Course you would so you expect that.

"But I think the manager's fortunate he's got someone like Giggsy among others like myself who have been here for many years and know the fabric of the club.

"If there's anything we can pass on through experience to help him be a better manager and help us win trophies then fantastic."

Moyes has some of the most experienced players in the Premier League in his squad and, in player-coach Ryan Giggs, he has the most decorated player in the history of the English game, with the Welshman making 941 appearances for the club and winning the title 13 times over a playing career that has so far spanned 23 years.

Ferdinand has been at the club for 11 years, making 432 appearances and winning the title six times.

Michael Carrick has clocked up 319 appearances since joining from Tottenham in 2006 whilst club captain Nemanja Vidic has made 266 appearances and both have won five Premier League titles.

Wayne Rooney has more than 400 United appearances to his name, despite being only 27, although his future at Old Trafford remains in doubt following confirmed interest from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Ferdinand is bullish about United's prospects for the new campaign regardless of what happens between now and the transfer window closing.

Uruguayan youngster Gustavo Varela is the only player to have signed for United so far this summer after bids for Leighton Baines and Cesc Fabregas were rejected.

But Ferdinand said: "We're confident. If we had to go into the season with the players that we've got now I'd be more than confident and with high hopes of doing well and winning trophies.

"If the manager adds to that and chooses to add to that, then great - but it remains to be seen."

Moyes himself appears similarly enthused by the options at his disposal.

He reflected on the tour of Asia: "I'm taking away a great experience of my first trip with Manchester United in general and what the football club means around the world.

"But I've also had a chance to get to know the players, try and settle into my new environment and the players to get to know me as well.

"They've been working with a great manager for a long time, a lot of them, so it's going to take time. But I've enjoyed working with them, they're incredibly professional and I can see why they're champions. The way they conduct themselves and go about their business and I've been very impressed by them."

Kagawa Has Rejected A Move Back To Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he failed in an attempt to lure Shinji Kagawa away from Manchester United.

Kagawa left Dortmund for United last summer after enjoying a successful two-year spell at Signal Iduna Park.

The Japanese ace endured a frustrating first season at Old Trafford, struggling to hold down a regular place in the United side due to injuries.

Kagawa has been linked with a move back to Dortmund this summer and Klopp admits he spoke to the playmaker, but that he wants to stay with the Premier League champions.

"This is not an issue for him this year, not even for us," Klopp told Sky Deutschland.

"It was clear relatively quickly, Shinji wants to prevail this year at Manchester United. I did not expect a different answer, you just have to ask even once."

Lingard Eyes Sweden Chance

Jesse Lingard wants to continue the promising form he has shown on Manchester United's pre-season tour in the game against AIK Fotboll in Stockholm on 6 August.

It may be a friendly but it's shaping up to be a big game for the Reds as it's the final chance for players to stake their claim for a place in David Moyes' side before the Community Shield at the end of the week.

The fixture against the high-flying Swedish outfit could also mark the return of the players who missed the first five tour games, including Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez.

Lingard just hopes to be involved after netting four times on tour, including spectacular strikes against the A-League All Stars in Sydney and Kitchee FC in Hong Kong. "Hopefully I'll get the chance to play in Sweden and even get among the goals, to keep me in the manager's thoughts," the 20-year-old told ManUtd.com.

"AIK are in the middle of their season and will probably be a little fitter than us, as we'll still be in the final stages of building up to the new campaign. But it should be an entertaining game and we have a lot of support in Scandinavia, so the reception will be good too."

Buttner Not Worried By Leighton Baines Signing For Manchester United

Manchester United defender Alexander Buttner is not worried by speculation linking Leighton Baines with a move to Old Trafford.

Buttner is understudy to first-choice left-back Patrice Evra though he still made 13 appearances last season as he won a Premier League winners medal in his first season at United.

Buttner was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's last signings. But new boss David Moyes is being linked with a raid on his former club Everton for England left-back Baines.

Frenchman Evra is not expected to leave even if Baines does arrive, and that would leave Buttner as the likely third choice left-back.

The Dutchman said: "The speculation doesn't bother me. I hear the name Baines but for me I don't care.

"I want to play my own game. If he comes I don't think my future will be in danger.

"I just want to be strong and let the trainer see what I have got. I don't think about other players, just myself."

Most United observers believe that Evra improved his performances following the arrival as Buttner, with the youngster providing him with genuine competition for a starting place.

"Manchester United need two good left-backs," said Buttner. "I put pressure on Patrice because I did well when I played.

"But Patrice did well also. That is the way it works at United, you put pressure on each other.

"I played 13 games for this team. That is good. This season my target is to play more games. I want to go for the left-back position."

Arnold Hails Memorable Tour

Group managing director Richard Arnold sits down with ManUtd.com to reflect on a highly successful pre-season trip to Asia and Australia as part of Tour 2013 presented by Aon…

We’ve just completed the first part of the club’s pre-season tour with a game in Stockholm still to come next week – how would you sum things up so far?
Everything has gone very well. These tours are always fantastic when it comes to team-bonding amongst the players and the staff and it’s been great to get to know David [Moyes] on the trip. I know everyone is pleased with how the training has been going which is the most important thing on these trips and, of course, the other thing the tours allow us to do is meet our fans across the world and, so far, on this tour we’ve been able to do that in Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. The reaction we’ve had has been great.

David Moyes commented the other day about how impressed he is by the meticulous level of detail that goes into the organisation of the trip – that’s something that’s vital to the trip being a success isn’t it?
Absolutely. A lot of time and effort goes into organising it and it’s a very important part of the season. Obviously we’re away from home and therefore don’t have all the facilities that we have available at the Aon Training Complex but a lot of work goes in to making sure we have the best possible facilities on the trip down to the smallest detail so they’re as close to what we have at the Aon Training Complex as possible. A lot of work also goes into the time management and sleep management of the players to ensure they get the most out of the trip from a training perspective. Everything is factored in to the planning of the trip.

And they seem to get bigger year on year…
Yes and it’s great to see the reaction we get in different countries. All the games on the first leg of the tour were sell-outs and the open training sessions were hugely popular with thousands of fans in attendance at those as well. We’re very fortunate to have been successful off the pitch as well as on it and that enables us to put on a really fantastic show - not just on the pitch on tour, but with the other things that we do involving Manchester United Soccer Schools and our legends, and also engaging with local kids via our partners and the Manchester United Foundation.

As you said earlier, the tour is obviously a vital part of the team’s preparations for the new season, but how important is it for the club from a commercial perspective?
It’s a very important method of engagement for us, both with our fans and our partners. The main reasons for doing tours is to prepare the players for the season and to enable us to interact with our fans all around the world. And it’s fair to say that it is a successful part of the business that helps us compete to buy the best players in the world in order to have more success on the pitch.

You’ve travelled all over the world with the team but are you still amazed at the welcome we receive wherever we go?
It really is quite incredible. The warmth of the welcome and the enthusiasm the supporters have for the club is something you never get tired of experiencing. We talked to fans on this tour who had been waiting at the airport for hours to catch a glimpse of the team, while others had spent days sat outside the hotel to try to do the same. Everyone at the club, from the players to the staff, are always very grateful for the great support we receive.

Our last stop on the first leg of the tour was Hong Kong, a city where we now have an office.

What’s the thinking behind that and how are things going with it?
Asia is obviously an important part of the world for us. More than 300 million of our fans are in Asia – they’re a big part of the United family as are the increasing number of partners we have in the Far East. It was therefore a natural progression for us to have a hub over there so we’re in timezone and only a short flight away from a number of our key partners. We have a very talented team of people in Hong Kong who have been very successful both in generating new partnerships and continuing to build the relationships with have with existing partners. We’ve also brought in staff who can speak many of the Asian languages and that has allowed us to operate much more smoothly. Overall, the results we’ve achieved so far have shown it was a very good move for us to open the office and we’re delighted with how things are going.

Finally, how excited are you for the season to start now?
I can’t wait. It’s been great to watch David train with the players and see the enthusiasm he has brought into the club and also the level of detail which he goes into when it comes to preparing the players. Manchester United has always been very lucky to have fantastic managers and I think he’s continuing that theme. He’s a very bright guy and someone who is hugely dedicated to the cause. One of the things I always believe reflects well on someone is when you meet their staff and see the level of enthusiasm and respect they have for that person, and we've seen that with David's staff. I don’t think there is any better compliment you can pay someone than having your staff be as enthused as David’s are. I just can’t wait for the season to start now.

Fit-again Nani Raring To Go

Nani is raring to go after scoring both goals in the friendly victory at Crewe Alexandra on Monday night.

The Portugal international is fit again after a close-season operation and looked sharp for Warren Joyce's side, netting with a free-kick and a fine solo effort. Although the talented wide man feels he is still a week away from reaching peak fitness, he is expecting to be at his best in time to impress David Moyes on his return from the tour.

"It's always nice to get back to work and start training with all the team-mates," Nani told MUTV. "Of course, all my team-mates have been in Asia but I have been training with a couple of them and it's nice to feel the grass, feel the atmosphere again and start to prepare for the new season.

"I'd played two [behind-closed-doors] friendly games already and am preparing well in myself. I hope, when the season starts, I will be at my best to help the team. I think there's still a lot of work [to do] but, in one more week, then I will be at my best."

When asked about his ambitions for the upcoming campaign, the winger stated: "I hope to win the league again and, for my personal wishes, I want to be at my best and score a lot of goals. Like I said, I just need to be at my best and then everything will come together."

Smalling Sets New Goals

After netting a towering header during Monday’s 5-2 win over Kitchee FC, Chris Smalling revealed an ambition to improve his scoring record during the 2013/14 season.

The 23-year-old rose admirably to convert Tom Cleverley’s cross after 22 minutes of play at the Hong Kong Stadium, helping set up a comfortable victory for David Moyes’ men – despite playing on an extremely questionable playing surface in stifling conditions.

“It was difficult, all of the games have been difficult in this heat but it will hopefully stand us in good stead during the season,” Chris told MUTV. “It was nice to pop up with a goal too. But to be fair, I probably should have got a hat-trick. Hopefully, I will get more chances like that.

“I was waiting for it (the goal), I have been due one because I didn’t get too many last season. Hopefully, I will be able to get a few more this season and chip in a little more.

On the whole, having missed all of last summer’s pre-season tour through injury, Smalling was delighted to feature on Monday and is confident of starting the new season in good shape.

When asked how beneficial the Tour 2013 presented by Aon has been, the versatile defender was optimistic in his response: “Last season was a very frustrating one so it is nice to be involved with pre-season because I didn’t get that last time and I am feeling good. The more games, the better.”

Pre-season Friendly: Crewe 0 Man. United XI 2

Nani marked his comeback with both goals as a Manchester United XI ran out 2-0 victors at Crewe Alexandra.

The Portuguese winger looked in fine shape as he joined fellow first-teamers Nemanja Vidic and Antonio Valencia in Warren Joyce's line-up.

After Mathias Pogba forced the first save out of Sam Johnstone, the Reds drew first blood. Nani was fouled but dusted himself down to smash a free-kick from a central area past Alan Martin, who barely moved as it flew with unerring accuracy into the net.

At the other end, Vidic made a couple of important clearances and interceptions while Valencia was involved in a move that led to Nani's neat pass releasing Scott Wootton, with the right-back hammering his shot wide. Byron Moore cracked an attempt off target as the 5,077-strong crowd, containing 952 noisy away fans, enjoyed the first-half action.

Davide Petrucci tested Martin's reflexes with a stinging drive while Moore really should have scored when passing up a clear opportunity when the ball rebounded to him off Johnstone. The United keeper watched as Michael West's ambitious long-ranger clipped the bar and Wootton had to be alert to block a Jon Guthrie shot.

But United always carried the greater threat and, after Nani failed to get enough power in one attempt, he ran onto a flick by Tom Lawrence to shrug off a challenge that could have resulted in a penalty, kept his balance and composure and nonchalantly steered a calm finish wide of Martin for his second of the game.

Vidic was withdrawn after more than an hour and Nani followed afterwards but Valencia stayed on for the entire duration. Bebe, Nani's replacement, bounced a speculative drive at Martin and Petrucci bent a decent effort just wide. Federico Macheda then curled off target following a clever backheel by the lively Lawrence and Bebe produced the final effort as United ran out comfortable winners.

Progress Pleases Januzaj

Adnan Januzaj is determined to continue his personal ascension at Manchester United, having impressed during this summer’s Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

The burgeoning Belgian has produced a number of impressive performances for David Moyes' men and caught the eye once again on Monday, connecting with Alexander Büttner’s cross to head the fourth goal in a clinical 5-2 win over Kitchee FC in Hong Kong.

And now, with just one game to go before heading back to M16, the reigning Reserves Player of the Year is keen to build on his noteworthy work with the first team.

“It felt good to score a goal, it was a good cross from Alex and I was in the right place to put it in,” the 18-year-old told MUTV. “I think we all did well, we kept the ball and that is what made the difference. We scored early in the game and that is what made the difference in this game.

“I have done some good stuff (during the tour) and I hope to keep going. That is what I am going to do. I am going to work hard and try to keep doing what I am doing.”

Chris Smalling, who was also on the scoresheet on Monday, is confident the young forward can make the grade at Old Trafford alongside fellow academy graduate Jessie Lingard.

“They have taken their chance,” he explained. “It’s good that the manager has given these young players a chance and they have really taken their chances. I think all of them have made a claim for the start of the season and they are all in with a good shout.”

Moyes Happy With HK Workout

David Moyes was pleased with another good pre-season workout for his players in Monday's 5-2 win over Kitchee FC on a testing pitch in hot Hong Kong conditions.

Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling, Fabio, Adnan Januzaj and Jesse Lingard were all on target at Hong Kong Stadium on the last outing of Tour 2013, presented by Aon, before the Reds return home to complete preparations for the new season.

Moyes is pleased with the progress his squad is making ahead of 2013/14's big kick-off next month. "I thought our players played very well on a difficult pitch," he said at his post-match press conference. "I think we made it look like a good pitch. I thought we played well and it was an exciting game for the supporters to see.

"We didn't worry too much about the pitch conditions at all. We played well. We move on now. We're trying to get the players fit for the start of the season and it was another hard workout in hot conditions. I'm happy with it. Now we return to the UK and we're ready to go to Sweden in a few days' time."

Next the Reds face AIK Fotboll in Stockholm on Tuesday 6 August where several other first-team stars are scheduled to return to action before the season's curtain-raiser against Wigan Athletic at Wembley in the Community Shield.

For now, though, as the squad flies back to the UK, the new United boss can reflect on a useful and eye-opening experience in his first month in the job.

"I've taken away a great experience of my first tour and what this club means around the world," the Scot added. "I've also got to know the players and I've settled in to my new environment. The players have been working with a great manager for a long time and they've got to know me.

"It will take time [but] I've enjoyed working with them. I can see why they're champions - the way they conduct themselves and the way they go about their business.

"I've known these players because I've watched them over the last few years. But to see the young players - Adnan, Lingard and Zaha - who I didn't know so much about, I think they'll go away thinking they've come here and contributed to it."

"In the first half, we were very good. Kitchee came into the game more in the second half. I hope their players enjoyed it and the crowd enjoyed the game."

Pre-season Friendly: Kitchee 2 Man. United 5

The Reds signed off from the first leg of Tour 2013 presented by Aon with a highly entertaining 5-2 victory over Kitchee at the Hong Kong Stadium on Monday.

In front of a sell-out crowd, goals from Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling, Fabio and substitutes Adnan Januzaj and Jesse Lingard sealed the win, although the Reds were well tested by the Hong Kong side, particularly after the break.

The pitch had taken something of a beating in the days leading up to the game following a prolonged period of torrential rain in the city and the staging of four Barclays Asia Trophy matches involving Sunderland, Manchester City, Tottenham and South China. Much of the centre of the pitch was covered in sand, while both goal-mouths began cutting up from the first minute.

For his final line-up on this leg of the tour, David Moyes opted to pair Chris Smalling and Michael Keane in the centre of defence, with Fabio and Patrice Evra on either flank. In front of them lay a three-man midfield of Tom Cleverley, Anderson and Michael Carrick with Wilfried Zaha and Ashley Young supporting lone-striker Danny Welbeck on each wing.

Much of United’s early penetration came down the right where the lively Zaha once again impressed. It took the Reds until the 15th-minute to carve out the first real sight of goal with Anderson striking a 20-yard effort just wide, but 60 seconds later David Moyes’ side were ahead. Carrick’s lovely pass over the top found Young down the left and after the winger’s deflected effort had crashed against the goalkeeper’s right-hand post, Welbeck was on hand to lash the rebound home from close-range.

Zaha should have doubled the advantage three minutes later when he was found by Welbeck’s pin-point right-wing cross. But after doing the hard work of bringing the ball down and turning the defender, the 20-year-old blasted over from eight yards.

A frantic few minutes followed thereafter with Kitchee’s Juan Belencoso firing over the bar at the other end and Young, after being picked out by Evra, seeing his close-range effort blocked when a goal looked the only outcome. A second strike for United did indeed follow a minute later.

After a United corner had initially been cleared, Young found Cleverley on the right and his whipped cross was met by Smalling who hung brilliantly in the air and guided a header past Wang in the Kitchee goal despite the keeper getting a hand to it.

On 26 minutes the Reds made it three with a goal of the highest quality. And Zaha was involved once more. After receiving the ball on the right, the winger flicked a sublime pass with the outside of his right boot into the box to the onrushing Fabio who followed suit with an identical finish past Wang.

Welbeck and Smalling went close to a second apiece on the half hour-mark, but it remained 3-0 up until the break.

Moyes made three changes at the start of the second period with Alexander Büttner, Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj replacing Evra, Young and Welbeck respectively.

Having caught the eye already during pre-season, Januzaj took just five minutes to do so again, this time with his first ever senior goal. Büttner scampered down the left before chipping the ball up to Januzaj who expertly directed a header past Wang.

Kitchee didn’t let the early second-half setback derail them and they got themselves on the scoresheet on 58 minutes thanks to a sublime strike by Lam. Having collected possession in United’s half he twisted and turned before letting fly with a 20-yard belter into the top corner past the helpless Ben Amos.

Januzaj twice went close to netting his second of the game with two efforts well saved by Wang. Kitchee, meanwhile, buoyed by Lam’s upped the tempo in attack and on 68 minutes United’s earlier four-goal lead was halved thanks to Alex Alkande’s superb run and finish.

The quality goals kept on coming with Lingard cementing his place as the team’s top scorer for this leg of the tour 10 minutes from time with a superb curling effort from the edge of the area.

It was the perfect way to sign off United’s stay in Asia and gives manager David Moyes yet more food for thought as the start of the season edges ever closer.

Phil: Back Where I Belong

Eight years after leaving Manchester United as a player, Phil Neville has returned as a coach under new manager David Moyes. And the lifelong Red and Treble winner couldn’t be happier to be back…

"There is no question this is the dream job for me. When I left eight years ago I always said I wanted to come back to United in some capacity one day. I knew it was probably never going to be as a player so being a coach was the next step.

There was never a day that went by where I wasn’t keeping an interest in what was going on at United and to come back now is the most perfect scenario for me. I know I need to grasp this opportunity with both hands and make sure I tap into everything that’s going on at this club. So far it’s been fantastic.

Arriving at the Aon Training Complex on my first day really was like coming home. Normally when you start a new job you have a few butterflies going but as soon as I walked through the door and saw Kath on reception and other familiar faces it just felt normal. There is that continuity and that loyalty – it’s what makes this club so successful. The transition could not have been any smoother, but at the same time I know this will probably be the biggest challenge of my career. I really can’t wait.

Coming on tour and spending time on and off the pitch with the squad has been fantastic and a really beneficial exercise in terms of getting to know everyone. Training has been brilliant and the thing that has stood out for me has been the players’ professionalism. That is ultimately what sets the good players apart from the great players. You ask them to do something and they do it – they don’t need to be told twice and when they do it they do it properly. You might ask them to do 10 reps and they do 15 because they know what it takes to be a top, top player and they do everything they can in order to achieve that. They don’t cut corners – they train well, they prepare right, they eat the right food and their attitude is top quality.

It’s probably the longest pre-season tour I’ve ever been on and that in itself provides challenges for everyone – the travelling involved, the time difference, being away from your family and the amount of commitments the club has off the pitch. But, as I said before, the professionalism of the players has been fantastic. They have just accepted things and got on with it because at the end of the day we are spreading the gospel of Manchester United. We’ve all seen how fanatical the supporters are in this part of the world and it’s important that we come here and see them. It’s amazing to see how the club has grown since I left. I didn’t think it could get any bigger than it was when I was here, but it has. It’s a global institution and one I’m so proud to be part of."

13th to 28th July 2013: Manchester United News In Summary

Dear Readers,

Here is a brief summary of news updates involving Manchester United during my overseas trip to Japan.

13 July 2013

Pre-season Friendly: Manchester United suffer defeat in first game under David Moyes
David Moyes' first game as Manchester United manager ended in a 1-0 defeat as Teeratep Winothai gave the Singha All Stars victory in Bangkok.

No manager likes to lose, especially their first game for a new club, and in this instance, replacing a man who served for 26 years and won 13 Premier League titles.

But Moyes can take several positives from this first run-out, as Adnan Januzaj in the first half and Wilfried Zaha - following his introduction in the second - impressed hugely.

And with Robin van Persie among those set to link up on Sunday in Sydney, where United will spend a week in rather cooler temperatures, the Scot can at least start to feel the hard work has begun in earnest.

16 July 2013

Rooney 'angered and confused' by Manchester United
Wayne Rooney has been left angered and confused about his position at Manchester United, after manager David Moyes hinted the striker would not be his first choice at Old Trafford.

Rooney, 27, has expressed his disappointment to senior figures at the club and insisted he would not accept a squad role behind Robin van Persie.

The England forward has two years left on his contract with United.

He has been linked with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

17 July 2013

Rooney: Manchester United dismiss Chelsea bid
Manchester United have rejected Chelsea's offer for Wayne Rooney and insisted the striker is not for sale.

Chelsea have confirmed making a bid for the 27-year-old but denied they would be willing to include either Juan Mata or David Luiz as a make-weight.

United rejected the offer on Tuesday night but Chelsea are expected to return with an improved bid.

Rooney has reiterated his desire to leave United after manager David Moyes said he was not his number one striker.

Rooney: Jose Mourinho says Man Utd striker is only target
Jose Mourinho says Wayne Rooney is Chelsea's only summer transfer target after Manchester United rejected their bid for the England striker.

Mourinho denied suggestions that David Luiz or Juan Mata were offered in part exchange for the 27-year-old.

And when asked if the Blues had made any other bids for players, the Portuguese said: "No - and we won't."

19 July 2013

Rooney: David Moyes says Man Utd striker not for sale

Manchester United manager David Moyes has again insisted Wayne Rooney is not for sale after Chelsea said the England striker is their sole transfer target.

Speaking at a news conference in Sydney, the United boss said: "The club's position has not changed."

20 July 2013

Pre-season Friendly: Jesse Lingard and Danny Welbeck star as Manchester United cruise in Sydney
Youngster Jesse Lingard netted twice as Manchester United enjoyed a comfortable 5-1 friendly victory over the A-League All Stars in Sydney.

The 20-year-old Warrington-born midfielder opened the scoring in Australia before adding a second goal early in the second half.

Danny Welbeck also poached a brace while Robin van Persie came off the bench to snatch the final goal in the 87th minute.

Lingard, who is yet to start a competitive match for the club, fired the tourists ahead with a low shot in the 11th minute after a clever dummy by Welbeck.

Welbeck then made it 2-0 on 34 minutes after good work by both Lingard and 39-year-old Ryan Giggs.

Ex-Burnley striker Besart Berisha pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute only for Lingard - who spent time on loan at Leicester last season - to restore United's two-goal advantage with an excellent strike from 18 yards.

Welbeck made it 4-1 in the 70th minute with a near-post glancing header from Van Persie's corner.

And the Dutchman, who replaced Giggs just after the hour mark, completed the scoring in front of more than 83,000 spectators at the Olympic Stadium with a low shot on the rebound after the home keeper had blocked his initial effort.

22 July 2013

Fabregas: Barcelona president warns off Man Utd
Barcelona have told Manchester United that Cesc Fabregas is not for sale.

United confirmed on Monday that they had submitted an improved bid - understood to be £30m plus add-ons for the midfielder - but reports in Spain claim that has been turned down.

"Fabregas is not for sale," a Barcelona source said on Monday. "The president (Sandro Rosell) has been very clear with Man United."

23 July 2013

Rooney: Manchester United striker may play in Sweden
Manchester United manager David Moyes expects Wayne Rooney to play against Swedish side AIK Fotboll on 6 August.

Rooney, who Moyes says will not be sold despite speculation about the striker's future, flew home from Thailand earlier in July with a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old had spent just 24 hours on the pre-season tour but is expected to return for the friendly in Sweden.

"I do expect Wayne to be in Stockholm. As far as I know he is coming on," the United manager said.

"He has started light jogging and the feedback from the physios is that he is progressing, so hopefully those dates will still be right when we get back."

Pre-season Friendly: Yokohama F Marinos struck late to beat Manchester United 3-2
Manchester United suffered their second defeat in three pre-season matches as J. League outfit Yokohama F. Marinos struck late to sink David Moyes' men 3-2.

Jesse Lingard scored another goal to continue his impressive run of form but despite holding a half-time lead, United were unable to keep their advantage.

In the stadium where they won the World Club Cup in 2008, not even the introduction to great acclaim of Shinji Kagawa, who amazingly was named man of the match, could inspire United to victory, with Yoshihito Fujita netting the winner three minutes from time.

Having named a youthful starting line-up, manager Moyes must have been delighted at the manner in which they responded to a quite unexpected early setback.

Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck suffer knocks against Yokohama
Manchester United's attacking options could be further diminished after Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck picked up knocks during the 3-2 defeat to Yokohama F. Marinos.

Van Persie was substituted at half-time during Tuesday's Nissan Stadium friendly while Welbeck pulled up after challenging for a through ball.

With Wayne Rooney back in England recovering from a hamstring injury, United boss David Moyes is hoping the pair's injuries are only minor.

"We've got a couple of wee worries," said Moyes. "Robin just felt his thigh in the first half and we didn't want to take any chances.

"Danny Welbeck felt his groin when he came on and we've just got to make sure they're all okay especially with so many games coming up.

"We've still got a few games to play before the season starts when we get back home."

Dortmund would welcome back Shinji Kagawa
Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke insists Borussia Dortmund would happily welcome back Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa one day.

Watzke's claims come after the Japan international revealed to a local TV station that he was disappointed with his debut season in England, and would be open to a return to Dortmund in the future.

The attacking midfielder was frustrated by injuries and a lack of regular first-team football in his debut campaign in the Premier League, leading to speculation he is unsettled and a return to the Bundesliga could be on the cards.

"Shinji (Kagawa) is a player we would welcome back," Watzke told BILD. "The door is always for him at our club."

But Watzke knows that the chances of the 24-year-old making a sensational return are unlikely after just one season in the Premier League.

24 July 2013

Januzaj not keen on loan move from Manchester United

Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj insists he would rather remain at Old Trafford and fight for a starting place than move elsewhere on loan.

The 18-year-old Belgian winger has yet to make a first-team appearance for United but was named on the bench for the 5-5 draw at West Brom in Sir Alex Ferguson's final game last season.

Januzaj was taken on the club's pre-season tour to the Far East and Australia by boss David Moyes and has made a positive impression so far.

"My target for the season is to try and get some games for the first team," he said.

"I have not spoken to the manager about it yet but I would prefer to do that rather than go out on loan.

"That is what I came here for. Everyone wants to play for Manchester United."

Evans says Manchester United relish tough Premier League start
Jonny Evans says Manchester United will relish a tough opening month to start their Premier League title defence.

David Moyes' competitive reign will begin with games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City after an opening-day trip to Swansea.

It has been debated outside of the club what pressure would be exerted on new manager Moyes should those results go badly but Northern Ireland centre-half Evans offers a different perspective.

"Whenever we have had a batch of tough fixtures in the past we have done really well and come out of them in strong positions," he said.

"At Manchester United, you have to win every game, no matter what the opponent. That is the way it is here.

25 July 2013

Fabregas: Manchester United move is 'ongoing'
Manchester United have not given up on their efforts to sign Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

United have failed with two bids for the former Arsenal player, the latest of which is understood to be £30m plus add-ons.

But David Moyes has confirmed he is still targeting the 26-year-old as his first capture since taking over as manager at Old Trafford.

He told a news conference in Osaka that "things are ongoing".

Song says Cesc Fabregas "will not be leaving Barcelona"
Alex Song is convinced Cesc Fabregas will still be a Barcelona player at the start of the new season.

Song, the former Arsenal midfielder who spent six years at the Emirates before moving to Spain in 2012, says his team-mate has no intention of quitting Camp Nou.

Fabregas, also a former Gunner, has been the subject of two bids from Manchester United already this summer, and David Moyes said this week he will give the transfer "every opportunity to materialise".

But after featuring in Barca's friendly defeat at Bayern Munich Song told Sky Sports News he is "100%" sure Fabregas is going nowhere.

He said: "I did not speak with him but I know Cesc is 100 per cent here.

"He loves Barcelona, he loves the club. He will stay here next season and give 100 per cent because I know him very well and he'll want to fight. He's focused on the club.

"He wants just to give his best for Barcelona. He's from Barcelona, he loves Barcelona and he'll want to start the season to show what he can do.

Moyes to learn from Ryan Giggs in Champions League
David Moyes has admitted he will have to learn about the UEFA Champions League quickly and says he will ask Ryan Giggs for advice as he bids to plot a course to European glory for Manchester United.

Moyes made the move to Old Trafford this summer after a decade in charge at Everton, but while he is vastly experienced in the Premier League he has never before managed on the Champions League stage.

He is relishing the prospect of continental competition but recognises that it will be a steep learning curve and he plans to make the most of player-coach Giggs' knowledge.

"For me it will be a thrill," said Moyes. "I'm going to have to learn a lot quickly and that's where I'm looking to the likes of Ryan Giggs and a few players around me for the things which I need to be told about.

"It's not all about the playing side of it.

"I've been in the Champions League, watched loads of games, managed in the Europa League. Everybody has to start somewhere."

26 July 2013

Moyes has challenged his Manchester United players to start well
David Moyes has challenged his players to hit the ground running with title contenders Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal waiting to capitalise when his debut campaign as Manchester United boss kicks off next month.

Moyes must pit his wits against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, north-west rivals Liverpool and his Manchester rivals City after an opening-day trip to Swansea at the start of the club's Premier League trophy defence.

"Manchester United is a great football club that has been successful most years," said the Scot at the launch of the club's new away kit.

"The biggest strategy we have is to continue that. We want to be winners and with the group of players I have, I am sure that will happen."

Phil Neville backs David Moyes to succeed as Manchester United manager
Phil Neville believes that David Moyes has all of the qualities needed to be the perfect replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.

Neville returned to Old Trafford this summer in a coaching capacity, following eight years playing under Moyes at Everton, where he was handed the captain's armband.

Moyes has come under much scrutiny in his early days in charge of United, but Neville insists that the new boss is already having a big impact on the training pitch.

"David has been preparing for this job all his life and whether it has been at Preston or Everton, he has, at the back of his mind, always been thinking that one day he wanted to manage the best," he told The Sun.

"He has the drive and the determination and already he has the respect of the players. That is his strength - out on the training field when he is coaching the team.

"As a young coach, you can learn a massive amount from his sessions. The players have said that the structure and the way each session has a theme has challenged them. David is very hands-on and likes to do a lot of the coaching.

"It's not just about stamping his own style, but it is continuing the style we have got and that United demand while adding his own touches to it as well.

"He is from that part of Glasgow where they tell the truth and say it how it is.

"So if you are doing well he will tell you, if you are doing bad he will tell you - he won't sugar-coat anything. But he has a humble, human side as well which most Glaswegians have."

Neville retired from playing football at the end of last season, but was keen to follow in the footsteps of his brother, Gary, by going into coaching, and he says he was delighted to be able to continue to work with Moyes.

"It seemed like this was fate in a way - David got the United job and I came back home. I can't wait for the first game," he said.

Fabregas: Man Utd told Barcelona player not for sale
Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has told Manchester United that they will not sell midfielder Cesc Fabregas at any price.

United manager David Moyes revealed on Thursday that the deal was "ongoing" but the Spanish club insist no offer will be accepted for the 26-year-old.

Bartomeu said: "United's interest for Cesc Fabregas is obvious, he's a great player but it does not bother us.

"It does not matter what they offer us, we are not selling him."

Pre-season Friendly: Zaha earns Manchester United a 2-2 friendly draw with Cerezo Osaka
Substitute Wilfried Zaha grabbed a late equaliser as Manchester United earned a 2-2 draw with Cerezo Osaka on Friday.

United playmaker Shinji Kagawa was taking on his former employers and revelled in the hole role behind Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck.

The hosts took the lead on 34 minutes when Chris Smalling's defensive error created a chance for Kenyu Sugimoto, who finished it clinically, rolling the ball past a wrong-footed Anders Lindegaard into the net.

Kagawa spurned the chance for an equaliser on 53 minutes when Jin-Hyeon Kim dived to his right to save his penalty, which was awarded after Ashley Young was sent tumbling in the 18-yard box.

But the former Borussia Dortmund man made amends a minute later, latching onto Ryan Giggs' cross from the left, swivelling and beating goalkeeper Kim with a low left-footed strike.

The hosts went ahead again on 63 minutes when 18-year-old forward Takumi Minamino sent a 20-yard piledriver into the top of the net, giving Lindegaard no chance at all.

But in the dying seconds, Zaha spared United's blushes when he put the icing on the cake to a flowing move by tapping home from close range.

Zaha says he is keen to make his mark at Manchester United
Wilfried Zaha says he is desperate to appear in as many games as possible in his first season as a Manchester United player.

The 20-year-old moved to Old Trafford for £15million in January 2013 before moving back to Selhurst Park on loan until the season finished.

He subsequently won the Championship's Player of the Year award after helping guide the Eagles back to the Premier League via the play-offs.

The England international rejected any suggestions he may be loaned out again by new United manager David Moyes after firing a late equaliser in the 2-2 friendly draw with Cerezo Osaka in Japan.

"My own target for my first season in Manchester is to be able to get minutes," Zaha said.

"I don't want to go out on loan or anything. I just want to play when I get the chance."

Moyes admits Hong Kong pitch concerns
Manchester United boss David Moyes says he is worried about the state of the pitch at the Hong Kong Stadium, where his side are due to play on Monday.

Hong Kong has been hit by heavy rain and the surface has been described as a "killer pitch" by Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio.

On Wednesday Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen suffered ankle-ligament damage in the Asia Trophy loss to Sunderland.

"I do have concerns about the surface," Moyes admitted on Friday.

Speaking after United's 2-2 draw with Cerezo Osaka, Moyes added: "It is mainly due to the weather."

Alcantara denies claims about Manchester United interest
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara insists he was never approached by Manchester United about a move to Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old Spaniard joined Bayern from Barcelona earlier this month, ending speculation about a possible summer switch to United.

Thiago's father and agent, Mazinho, suggested his son had been "very close" to joining the Premier League champions, but the Spain Under-21 international appeared to contradict this claim.

"The truth is that in no moment did United come to us and talk to us. It came from the press, it was always a lie," he said.

27 July 2013

Scholes hopes Manchester United can sign Cesc Fabregas and urges Wayne Rooney to stay
Paul Scholes believes the arrival of Cesc Fabregas at Manchester United would ensure the club remains a dominant force in the Premier League next season.

New Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino insists he is determined to keep Fabregas, despite constant speculation about the ex-Arsenal midfielder returning to England with United.

Scholes played against Fabregas on a number of occasions before announcing his retirement last season and he feels the 26-year-old would help the club challenge for more silverware in the new campaign.

"Well it would be nice to sign a player of that quality," he told Sky Sports News.

"He's proven in the Premier League, obviously he's with Barcelona, it's a big club, it will be difficult to get him away from there. But if you do, you have to fancy your chances strongly that we can go on and be successful with a player like that in your team."

Wayne Rooney sat out Scholes' final game for United in May after making a transfer request and his future at the club is uncertain, with Chelsea keen to sign the unsettled striker.

Moyes is reluctant to sell Rooney and Scholes has advised the England international to remain at Old Trafford.

"Well my advice would be to stay obviously," he said. "I don't think there's anywhere better than Manchester United to play your football, but it's not the same for every person.

"If someone is not happy there then they want to go. If that's Wayne's feeling then that's up to him, but he's a top, top player and I think every United player and fan hopes he stays."

Lindegaard impressed by Chris Woods
Anders Lindegaard has praised the contribution of new Manchester United goalkeeping coach Chris Woods.

United boss David Moyes has brought Woods in from former club Everton, with the former England international taking over from Eric Steele at Old Trafford.

Denmark international Lindegaard has not been working with Woods for long but admits he is impressed by what he has seen so far.

"It is very different with Chris compared to what we are used to," said Lindegaard, who played in Friday's 2-2 draw with J-League side Cerezo Osaka in their pre-season friendly.

"All I can say is that I have had a very good impression of him. I don't want to go into details but everything is different.

"It has been a very good experience because he has done a brilliant job.

"He slid into his new role in Manchester really well. I am enjoying working with him."

Scholes confirms talks with Manchester United manager David Moyes
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has confirmed he has held preliminary talks with manager David Moyes about one day becoming part of his coaching staff.

Scholes retired from football in 2011 and did get involved with some coaching at Old Trafford only to reverse his decision and return to action in January 2012.

But he called it a day again at the end of last season and is planning on taking a break from the game before considering a coaching position in the future.

"I have spoken to him (Moyes) a couple of times but I am going to take a nice break now and try and get my head away from football for a little bit," Scholes told Sky Sports News.

"You do find it hard with all the pre-season games though, you find yourself watching them.

"I am going to take along break then see how I feel.

"Obviously it's nice there is something there for me if I want to go back to it.

"I am sure ultimately I probably will do (take up the coaching offer)."

Ferdinand impressed by new Manchester United signing Wilfried Zaha
Rio Ferdinand says he has been hugely impressed by the impact Wilfried Zaha has made in the early weeks of his Manchester United career.

Zaha has caught the eye in a couple of United's pre-season friendlies, and scored a late equaliser in Osaka on Friday against J.League side Cerezo.

Ferdinand admits Zaha lacks experience, but he is confident the winger - signed from Crystal Palace - can make a real impact this season.ar.

"Wilfried is a fantastic talent. That is why you pay £15m for a kid," said Ferdinand. "He is raw, with great individual skills and the early indications are that he is a hard worker.

"He wants to be a top footballer and he wants to improve. With those attributes, that desire and the influences he will have at this club, hopefully we will have a top player on our hands.

"Wilfried can take people on from a standing start.

"He is quick and direct but what has surprised me more is that he gets his shots off.

"I have not watched him loads but obviously he is a winger who has a hunger to get inside and drive into the opponents' box. That is a good thing to have."

Manchester United cancel open training session as rain threatens game
Manchester United have cancelled an open training session at the Hong Kong Stadium as continued bad weather threatens to hinder their pre-season schedule.

United, who are due to play Kitchee FC in the stadium on Monday, have taken the decision after the torrential rain in the region over the last few days.

That match - the final game of United's five-match tour of Asia and Australia - would now appear to be at risk, with Moyes having admitted concerns about the pitch on Friday before further storms.

"Manchester United, Kitchee and the Hong Kong Football Association have reluctantly made the decision to cancel the open training session, planned for tomorrow (Sunday) evening at the Hong Kong stadium," read a statement on behalf of the club.

"The pitch has suffered from torrential rainfall in the last week, as well as staging a number of games in a very short space of time.

Henriquez a target for Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza boss Paco Herrera has confirmed his club's interest in Manchester United striker Angelo Henriquez.

Herrera has told the media in Chile that he feels Henriquez would be a good signing for Zaragoza as they bid to bounce back to La Liga after suffering relegation at the end of last season.

"We are very interested in Angelo Henriquez," Herrera is quoted as saying in El Mercurio.

"We have been following him and we hope to get a response from their club soon."

"He is a striker full of technical qualities, could be a good signing."

Teenage forward Henriquez, who has already been capped at senior international level by Chile, joined Manchester United last September.

He was unable to break into Sir Alex Ferguson's first XI but gained vital experience of the Premier League when he was sent out on loan to Wigan Athletic for the second half of the season.

Henriquez has previously admitted that he would be prepared to go out on loan again, and Zaragoza looks to be a possible destination.

28 July 2013

Fabregas: David Moyes unsure of new Man Utd bid
Manchester United manager David Moyes is confident he will add to his squad this summer, but has yet to decide whether he will make a third bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

United have had two bids rejected for the 26-year-old with Barcelona insistent he is not for sale.

"I couldn't tell you if there will be another bid [for Fabregas]," he said.

"I never at any time said I knew we would get him. We will take stock and consider what we are going to do next."

Moyes: No feud with Jose Mourinho over Wayne Rooney
Manchester United boss David Moyes insists there is no feud with Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho has irritated Moyes by openly stating his interest in signing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

When both clubs were in Bangkok at the start of their pre-season tours of the Far East Mourinho claimed discussion of other club's players was off-limits - only then to say he would be a "hypocrite" if he denied he was a fan of the England international.

That led to talk of mind games between the two managers, which Moyes fuelled when he said "bring it on".

But Moyes insists there is no conflict between the pair, beyond what normally exists between competing managers, and that they have always got along.

"Jose Mourinho is a tremendous manager," said Moyes. "He has done really well in the Premier League.

"Like me, he started doing his coaching badges in Scotland and whilst I wouldn't say I know him that well, I do know him."

And Moyes revealed he offered his sympathies after Mourinho's exit from Chelsea in 2008.

"I remember when he lost his job I wrote him a letter," he said. "So, for people to say there is any feud is wrong.

"Of course, you are going to find two really competitive managers. When our teams play we will both be highly committed to make sure our clubs win.

"But I admire him for how well he has done as a manager."

Sir Bobby Charlton: Wayne Rooney will stay and beat my goalscoring record
Sir Bobby Charlton reckons Wayne Rooney will stay at Manchester United and go on to beat his goalscoring record.

The England striker, whose tally of 197 goals is 52 short of Charlton's club record, has been left "angry and confused" by comments from David Moyes and chief executive Ed Woodward since the end of last season and is open to the idea of leaving Old Trafford.

But United continue to insist Rooney - named publicly by Jose Mourinho as Chelsea's sole remaining transfer target this summer - is not for sale at any price.

And Charlton, now a United director, told laureus.com: "Wayne Rooney is a Manchester United player and I think that he will continue to be a Manchester United player.

"I don't like losing really, really good players and he is a really great player.

"I was hoping one day that he might score as many goals as I had and that would have been really nice if it was at our club - and I'm still thinking that way."

Moyes dismisses concerns over state of Hong Kong pitch
Manchester United boss David Moyes has dismissed concerns about the state of the pitch in Hong Kong where they will play on Monday.

The surface has been in a terrible state because of heavy rain before Tottenham played Sunderland in the Barclays Asia Trophy last Wednesday.

More rain fell on Sunday, though the efforts of Spurs groundsman Darren Baldwin at least ensured the tournament was completed on time with Manchester City beating Sunderland in the final.

Baldwin has now flown home, and United will play the final game of their five-match pre-season tour against Kitchee FC on Monday evening.

Moyes was present to watch Spurs' game and he cancelled a planned open training session with the aim of protecting the pitch.

But he insists the show must go on, and the fixture will be fulfilled.

"Two teams have to play on it," Moyes said. "It is the same for everybody. We are used to playing on good surfaces and pitches but there was nothing the people in Hong Kong could do to make the weather any better. It was terrible for three or four days.

"It is drying out now, which might make it worse if it gets bobbly."

Vidic set for return to action
Nemanja Vidic is in line for his first pre-season action for a Manchester United XI against Crewe on Monday night.

The Reds skipper did not travel with the squad on Tour 2013 presented by Aon, due to a mild case of sciatica, but has been working on his fitness at the Aon Training Complex.

And boss David Moyes confirmed at a press conference in Hong Kong on Sunday: "Vidic is coming on well. If everything goes well, he'll play tomorrow evening at Crewe."

Taking A Break

Hi Everyone,

Will Power will be taking a short break for about 2 weeks and will be back on either 27th or 28th July 2013.

We will be going for a short holiday to Japan! See you soon!

Warmest Regards,

From the staff of Will Power

Rio Relishing Thai Trip

In the middle of an 11-hour flight, at the beginning of a three-week journey that will take in five cities in four countries and traverse more than 20,000 miles, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could easily have been daunted at what lay ahead.

But as we sat down in row 37 of our chartered flight to Bangkok - the first stop on Tour 2013 presented by Aon - Ferdinand was unmistakably upbeat. It might be the dawn of a new era at Manchester United but Rio, who celebrates more than a decade at the club with a testimonial game at Old Trafford against Seville on Friday 9 August, has seen it all before.

"Tours like this are great," he said. "You have to embrace them. We have fans all around the world who support us so it's good to give something back. They can't get to Old Trafford easily so it's nice for us to come to them.

"If you sit down and think: 'I'm going to be away from my family for three weeks and it's going to be really tough' then you won't enjoy it. You may as well not bother boarding the plane if that's your attitude. You need to be positive and that's what I try and do."

This year, as he has the past two summers, Ferdinand will be capturing behind-the-scenes footage of life on tour with the Reds for MUTV. Armed with a hand-held video camera, he'll show fans what it's really like to play for one of the biggest clubs in world football.

We can expect plenty of laughs along the way - Ferdinand is, after all, renowned for his unique brand of dressing-room banter - but the defender is quick to point out there's also a steely determination about the squad on this pre-season jaunt "I think it's natural that everybody here is trying to impress on this tour. When you get a new manager you want to show him that you should be in the starting XI for that first day of the new season and that process has started already.

"We've been back from our holidays for more than a week and it's been a really good start. It's been very, very hard but it's been enjoyable and I think we'll see the benefits of the work we've been putting in back in Manchester and the work we're about to do on tour.

"That will come in the shape of better fitness and a better understanding of the personalities of the players and the coaching staff, because it's a new era for all of us. Hopefully things will come together and we can get off to a good start once the season begins."

Having landed in Bangkok on Thursday morning at 08:09 local time, Ferdinand and his team-mates' pre-season preparations will continue when the squad convenes for its first tour training session in the afternoon. Thursday and Friday will contain a mixture of training and commercial commitments, before United take on a Singha All Star XI at the Rajamangala Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 14:00 BST).

"I love Thailand," Rio said. "It's a really nice country with great people who love Manchester United. It's crazy whenever we visit this part of the world. The reception we get in the Asian countries is something else entirely. I've never seen fanatics like them.

"They come to airports at mad times in the morning to greet us, they hang around our hotels... it's great and makes us feel really welcome."

Vidic Injury Not Serious

Manchester United left for Thailand on Wednesday without Nemanja Vidic, but the club insist the skipper's injury is "nothing serious".

The Serbian was not in the 19-man squad that boarded a plane bound for Bangkok on Wednesday, as the Reds flew out for the first leg of Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

The defender is likely to join his team-mates on the trip at a later stage, however, with United scheduled to play further games in Australia, Japan (x2) and Hong Kong before returning to the UK at the end of July. A match in Sweden will then follow on Tuesday 6 August.

"It's nothing serious," a club spokesperson told ManUtd.com. "Nemanja has a touch of sciatica [pain stemming from nerves in the back] and may still join the tour at a later date.

"In the meantime, he'll continue his pre-season preparations in Manchester at the Aon Training Complex."

United's first pre-season game is against a Singha All Star XI on Saturday 13 July (14:00 BST).

Reds Jet Out To Bangkok

David Moyes has named 19 players in his Manchester United squad which jets off to Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday as part of the Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

The United boss has selected a blend of experience and youth for the visits to Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong, while three other first-team stars - Robin van Persie, David De Gea and Shinji Kagawa - will join up with the rest of the squad later this month.

The full tour squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Anders Lindegaard, Ben Amos
Defenders: Rafael, Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Alex Büttner, Fabio, Michael Keane
Midfielders: Michael Carrick, Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ryan Giggs, Wilfried Zaha, Jesse Lingard, Adnan Januzaj
Strikers: Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck

Robin van Persie and David De Gea will join the squad in Sydney, while Moyes confirmed last week that Shinji Kagawa will fly out for the Japan leg of the trip. Javier Hernandez will miss the trip as he completes his holiday after only recently completing international duties for Mexico.

During the first leg of the tour, the Reds play matches in Bangkok, Sydney, Yokohama, Osaka and Hong Kong, and a final tour match against AIK in Stockholm is scheduled for 6 August.

Zaha In Dreamland

Wilfried Zaha admits it was a dream come true to walk into the Aon Training Complex as a Manchester United player and mix with his heroes Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs.

The England international linked up with the English league champions for the first time earlier this month, having initially signed for the club in January. In the intervening period, he was loaned back to Crystal Palace - a move that paid dividends as the Eagles secured promotion to the top flight as Zaha claimed the PFA's Championship Player of the Year prize.

When quizzed on his first day of training with United during an exclusive interview with MUTV, the 20-year-old was refreshingly honest. “It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, coming in and seeing all these players that I’ve watched over the years," Zaha admitted. "But everyone seems all right so I’m settling in okay.

“I’m speechless really, I just never thought I’d have the chance to play with the likes of Rooney and to actually be sitting next to Giggs in the changing room. It’s just a dream really.”

Now that he has met his fellow Reds, Zaha is keen to join them on the pitch during Tour 2013 presented by Aon and manager David Moyes has already expressed a desire to work closely with the new recruit.

“He’ll travel with us on the tour now,” Moyes told TalkSport on Wednesday. “I’ll get a chance to have a look at him. He got a bit of extra time off after being away with England’s Under-21s, but I’ll take him away and have a look at him and see how he goes.

“This football club has a great record of producing young players and bringing young players into the team. Hopefully Wilfried can be one of those who we push forward.”

Coaches Settle In At United

There have been big changes at Manchester United this summer; not only has David Moyes stepped in as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor, he also brought with him a trusted backroom team to add to Old Trafford’s already successful set-up.

During the first full week back at the Aon Training Complex, the coaches have been getting used to their new surroundings while the players are adapting to a new era, and so too the fans are finding out about the new recruits.

MUTV spoke exclusively to Steve Round (assistant manager), Jimmy Lumsden (First-team coach), Phil Neville (coach) and Chris Woods (goalkeeper coach) and the overriding sentiment is that the new men are settling in well and looking forward to the challenge of maintaining United’s success over the past two decades.

Assistant manager Steve Round said of his first few days in the role: “[It’s been] fantastic, absolutely brilliant. I’ve been made to feel very welcome by everybody, all the players and the staff. It’s such a magnificent football club that it’s very easy to settle in here.

“As a coach you always have the ambition to work at the most elite level you can work at – a top Champions League and championship-winning team. You want to work with the best players and have the chance to win trophies.”

Ex-Red Phil Neville has also been drafted in after working under Moyes at Everton, and he added: “I’ve got to say it’s been five of the most amazing days I’ve had. I said to my wife and mum and dad, who asked what kind of first day I’d had. I said, ‘It’s probably the best day I’ve had in my professional career.’ This is where I want to be and I’m going to embrace it, every minute detail. I’m going to enjoy it.”

On the subject of what Moyes is like to work for, his backroom team described, in unison, his work ethic. First-team coach Jimmy Lumsden said: “He has great work ethic, and he expects the same from everyone else”. While Round added: “He’s fantastic to work alongside. He has great attention to detail. He has a lot of honesty and integrity and I think that fits well with the club he has just joined.”

Reds Expand Social Media Presence

Manchester United today launched its official Twitter (@ManUtd) and Sina Weibo (www.weibo.com/manchesterunited) pages.

The micro-blogging services will allow fans around the world to engage with the club in a way they have never experienced before with iconic artwork, behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive content sent directly to their news feeds.

The @ManUtd Twitter page will reach the club’s fans among the 200 million active Twitter users worldwide. The account will initially launch in English, with foreign-language versions to follow. Manchester United’s Sina Weibo account will provide content in Mandarin to the service’s 500 million users.

Manchester United already has an impressive online presence with 67 million page views on its ManUtd.com website during the final month of the 2012/13 football season and over 34 million likes on its Facebook page. Today’s launches mark the next phase in the enhancement of the club’s digital media offering, with further new products and platforms to be announced later this summer.

These new services will be complemented by the updated press office Twitter account (rebranded as @MU_spokesperson) that will supply updates on Manchester United’s business and commercial developments.

Richard Arnold, group managing director, said: "Connecting with our fans is a key part of the club's strategy. We have invested a lot of time and resource into providing the best media offering for its fans, which is evident from the recent MUTV acquisition and today’s Twitter and Sina Weibo launches.

“Every month there are over five million Manchester United related social media posts and the level of engagement we have with our fans via social media is amongst the highest of all top global brands. I look forward to these new ventures further extending the club’s interaction with its fans around the world.”

Lessons Learned For Fabio

Former Manchester United striker Joe Jordan expects Fabio to have learned from his experience on loan at Queens Park Rangers last season.

The Brazilian full-back spent the entire campaign at Loftus Road, where Jordan is now a coach, but he was unable to prevent Harry Redknapp's side from sliding out of the Barclays Premier League.

After playing 23 times for the West Londoners, and scoring in his only FA Cup appearance against MK Dons, the South American must aim to take the positives from a year away from Old Trafford as he returns to stake his claim for a place in David Moyes' squad.

"I think we all learned from last season as it was a very, very difficult campaign," explained Jordan to ManUtd.com. "Whether it was someone in the latter part of his career or someone like Fabio just starting out.

"He will have learned a lot from last year. Hopefully, he can use it to better himself for the future that he has in the game.

"You see different aspects of life in football and you have got to store that away and use it because it was a hard season last year for everybody. It wasn't easy and it's not always you learn from campaigns where you're successful but when things haven't gone well and there's been disappointment.

"Sometimes, you learn from that and why it was like that. You have got to use that and make sure you gain something from all those difficult times and benefit from that experience."

Owen: Rooney Needs Love

Wayne Rooney just needs to feel loved at Manchester United, according to former team-mate Michael Owen.

Owen played alongside Rooney with both United and England and believes it is the forward's desire to be appreciated rather than anything else that has prompted the talk of unrest.

"I don't think it's a case that it's his last chance for a big move, you don't get anywhere bigger than Manchester United," Owen told talkSPORT.

"It's more a case of, is he wanted, is he loved, is he appreciated? He wants to be the top man, the main goalscorer, and I think that's what it all boils down to.

"I think one thing that may have knocked him off his stride a bit last season was Robin van Persie coming in and becoming the main man.

"If you're the striker in a team for so long you like having that pressure it puts you under, and when someone comes in and gets picked ahead of you on certain occasions, it knocks your confidence a bit and consequently he's not feeling on top of the world.

"He wants to be scoring goals on a regular basis for Manchester United. If that's going to happen then he'll be more than happy to stay.

"His ideal situation would just to be back in the United team, feeling at the top of his game again and staying put.

"Why would he want to move away from a club like Manchester United?

"But they've got a new manager now, so hopefully [David] Moyes and Rooney will be on the same page he'll be back and banging the goals in next year."

Van Persie Up For Award

Gareth Bale and Robin van Persie are on a 10-man shortlist for UEFA's 2012/3 Best Player in Europe award.

Tottenham forward Bale has already earned the PFA Footballer of the Year award and the Football Writers' equivalent for his performances last season.

And van Persie, who finished as the Premier League's top scorer as he won the title with Manchester United, is another candidate for an award inaugurated in 2011 by UEFA boss Michel Platini.

Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta were the previous winners, and Messi again makes the final cut along with his Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Paris St Germain is France's sole representative, and the remainder of the list is made up of Bundesliga players.

Treble-winning Bayern Munich have four players on the shortlist - Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger - alongside Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.

The shortlist will be reduced to three early next month before a winner - elected by journalists from each of UEFA's member countries - is announced at the draw for the Champions League group stage on August 29.

Robson: Fans Will Forgive Rooney

Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson believes the club's fans will "forgive" striker Wayne Rooney if he decides to stay at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old had a transfer request rejected by the club according to ex-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, whose successor David Moyes has said Rooney is not for sale.

"If he starts the season, scores a few goals and enjoys his football, the fans will forgive him, if there's anything to forgive him for," the 56-year-old Robson said.

Robson, who appeared more than 450 times for United, said the situation was similar to when Rooney was sent off during England's World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in 2006.

On that occasion, Cristiano Ronaldo winked as his then club team-mate Rooney left the pitch, angering both England and United fans.

"After two games, Ronaldo was playing fantastically when he came back to Old Trafford. Everybody forgot about it and everybody loved Ronaldo," said Robson.

"And I think that's the scenario for Wayne."

Robson also warned Rooney that life away from Manchester may not be as attractive as it looks.

"Wayne's a great footballer and sometimes when you're a great footballer you look at pastures and ask are they greener than where you're at?" said Robson.

"He's got everything you could possibly want at the football club so, hopefully, he can be happy and entertain us. As a football supporter and as a Manchester United supporter I want to see the best players playing at our club."

Moyes suggested that Rooney may be attracted to staying as he has a chance of breaking United's all time goal-scoring record.

Rooney currently lies fourth in the list with 197 goals in all competitions for Manchester United. He stands 52 goals behind Sir Bobby Charlton, the club's record holder, who scored 249 times for the club.

Former striker Andy Cole believes that target could influence Rooney's decision to remain at the club.

"To have the opportunity to be the top goal-scorer in the football club's history? I'd stay around for that, for sure," said Cole.

"But it's not for me to advise him. Wayne's his own man, that's what has made him the player he is. He knows what he wants to do. David Moyes has said Wayne's not going anywhere and, hopefully, that will be the end of it."

Cole, who scored 121 goals in nearly seven years at Old Trafford, also thinks that winning the Community Shield against Wigan next month will be important to Moyes.

"If you win that, that's your first trophy," added Cole.

"People say 'that's not a trophy', but of course it is. It would be David Moyes's first trophy and, hopefully, would propel them forward to where they can win the Premier League."

Robson and Cole were speaking at the launch of United's new five-year partnership with Aeroflot, the Russian airline.

Abrasive Stance Suits Büttner

Alex Büttner admits his aggressive approach to the game stood him in good stead during his first season in the Barclays Premier League.

The Dutch left-back admires United skipper Nemanja Vidic's no-nonsense style on the pitch and believes it helped him pick up his first-ever champions' medal.

"I always want to play aggressively," he reveals in an exclusive interview with the new issue of Inside United. "I try to - how do you say? - play strong. I like to play hard. It’s my game.

"I think you can see when you look at 'Vida' that he’s the same. He is a monster on the field. I like that. If I see that, I can learn from him. It’s nice to play with these kinds of defenders here."

In terms of aims for next season, it is clear that Büttner realises he needs to work hard in training to impress new boss David Moyes.

When asked for his ambitions for 2013/14, he replied: "To train hard again every day and I want to be better every day. Of course, I want to play more games. I'll go for that. My first season was good, like I have said, but I hope my second season will go better.

"Of course, I have my first champions’ medal. In my life, I have never been a champion before. It felt good to get the medallion as a Premier League champion for the first time."

Büttner also hopes that an international call-up for the Netherlands may not be too far away as he continues to prove his worth at Old Trafford.

"Yes, I hope it’s close," he stated. "I have to be patient. When I play here, I can play there. I have patience when I say that I'm for the future. Of course they are following me now and hopefully that will be okay."

Rio: Rooney Should Stay

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes England striker Wayne Rooney should finish his career at Old Trafford.

Rooney's United future remains uncertain, following claims by former boss Sir Alex Ferguson that he has handed in a transfer request.

But new boss David Moyes, who also managed Rooney as a youngster at Everton, said at his first press conference that he would not sell the striker.

And Ferdinand says Rooney should look at the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo to see that leaving Manchester United is a risky decision.

Ronaldo has been in extraordinary form since his record-breaking £80m move to Real Madrid in 2009, but Ferdinand says he would have won more silverware with United.

"I think when someone is at your club who has been there for the length of time he (Rooney) has been there, he's more than clued up to understand the dynamics of the club," said Ferdinand.

"He's mature enough now and old enough to make his own mind up. I'm sure in time he'll have his say.

"I don't see where you go better from here. For instance, Cristiano has been ridiculous as a football player individually but has he won more trophies since leaving than what we've won? That's the way I look at it.

"I wouldn't say that he shouldn't have gone there; it was his dream to go there, so you have to respect that. But I just look at things in a plain, black and white way - I want to win trophies so why would I leave here?

"I've had loads of offers over the years to go to other football clubs and there's been loads of speculation in the papers every other year, but I've never really wanted to go anywhere.

"I came to Man United for one simple reason and that was to win trophies, so I could retire and say how many trophies I've won and look back and say I've made a success of my career.

"That's all you do and I'm sure most young players, or players in their prime, when they're asked to come to Manchester United, that should be the question they ask themselves: 'Have I got a chance to win?' Do you want to be part of that history of the club? Normally the answer is yes."