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That was from yesterday, glad we ended the first leg of a tour with a win:). I missed the match as I was at work!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan57 (Post 6226781)

Nani scored twice in Man Utd XI vs Crewe.

First goal:

Youtube video

Second goal:

Youtube video

Quality goals, especially the free kick.

I hope that Nani stays and works hard for his place, we have a new Manager now and this is a fresh start for him.

Moyes happy with workout

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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.#

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...0,350,1300,833

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."

Progress pleases Januzaj

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

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...0,65,4000,1551

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 Jesse 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.”

Alex hopes to progress

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Alexander Büttner is determined to build on the progress he made as a Red last season with his ultimate goal to be United's first-choice left-back.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=0,10,1024,391

The 24-year-old collected his first title winners' medal last term after performing well as Patrice Evra's understudy at full-back.

Büttner says it's positive for the team to have competition for places and he is hopeful of playing an even bigger part going forward in future United successes.

"The first few months were difficult for me last season. I had to settle in. But I think I did very well. I played 13 games which is good. This season my target is to play more games," the Dutch defender told PA Sport.

"Patrice did very well last season and played some good games. I put pressure on him because I did well when I played. I think Manchester United need that, two good left-backs. I want to go for the left-back position. That is my target, to play many games.

"Everyone wants more medals. Next season I want one again," he added.

"My [title] medal is at home in Holland. Everyone wanted to see it. I have started to build a new house and something like that will have a special place. It was unbelievable to win a medal in my first season at Manchester United, but I want more.

"We want to win every game. We want to be champions again and we have a very good team in order to do that."

Rio takes over United Uncovered

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...roduction.aspx

Arnold hails memorable tour

Quote:

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…

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...0,121,1024,502

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

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

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,5,1224,915

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."

United partner with PepsiCo

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

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...=59,1,1294,924

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."

Exciting!

Trio lead by example

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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.

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/7F3CB9...731T0934244641

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."

Confirmed: FA Community Shield: Manchester United v Wigan Athletic. Sunday 11 August at 1.30pm on ITV. (ko 2pm).

Rio Ferdinand @rioferdy5 on MUFC's young players. New Daily Post column. http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/foo..._c0On0.twitter …

Good praise by Rio about some of the lads:).

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbfan1991 (Post 6233379)

Confirmed: FA Community Shield: Manchester United v Wigan Athletic. Sunday 11 August at 1.30pm on ITV. (ko 2pm).

Oh yeah... forgot ITV had the rights.

Club statement on Old Trafford

Quote:

http://www.manutd.com/~/media/85C8E6...7AA3FDAEB.ashx

Following Trafford Council’s decision regarding Asset of Community Value status on its Old Trafford stadium, the club has issued the following statement:

“The club has received the decision by Trafford Council. Old Trafford is, of course, a special place; it is the heart and soul of the club. The club obviously sees it the same way, which is why over the last eight years it has demonstrated its commitment to Old Trafford by spending around £90m upgrading its facilities and it will continue that investment in the future.

“We do have concerns that the legislation is not being applied correctly which could set a precedent throughout the country. Therefore, we have asked the council to follow the statutory review process to ensure the legislation is being applied as intended and we shall continue to keep open communication with the Council.”

Hoping we have a change of formation next season. 4-4-1-1/4-4-2 is so outdated. No other top team in Europe, as far as I'm aware, plays with this formation.

---Carrick---New CM---

Zaha/Januzaj/Kagawa/Lingard/Nani/Welbeck (making up a three)

----------RVP-----------

4-2-3-1 as the formation. Would love the above.

I still think that Rooney is staying put tbh, but hope that Kagawa and Hernandez get more playing time next season.

We need to make one or two CM signings before the window closes, but I still have patience and a positive attitude about it.

I hope Rooney stays. If he does, add him to the list playing just off RVP.

Jones' career in pics

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Phil Jones has experienced two contrasting seasons at United, so when we asked him to look through five photos of his time with the Reds, it brought back fond memories...

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...er-so-far.aspx

Moyes' first month

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David Moyes has completed his first month in charge of Manchester United and Reds legend Bryan Robson, having seen the Scot at close quarters during the club's preparations for the new season, has no doubts about the new man's managerial pedigree.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...vid-moyes.aspx

Robson has been very impressed with what he has seen of Moyes so far, saying: "I think he’ll take everything in his stride at Manchester United.

"He’s going to be working with some top-class players and I’m sure he’ll do a great job for the club. He’s handled himself well so far."

The United legend believes Moyes won't make sweeping changes to his squad ahead of the new season, but fancies that we could still see one or two big signings.

"I think David knows that he doesn't need to change much," he adds. "It's just a little bit of fine-tuning. He will want to make one or two new signings to lift the players, lift the fans, and get everyone buzzing before the start of the season."

It can be Jesse's year

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Peter Schmeichel has been hugely impressed with Manchester United youngsters Jesse Lingard and Michael Keane after following their progress since they joined Leicester City on loan last year.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=41,1,547,760

The Great Dane closely monitors the Foxes as his son Kasper is the club's No and he feels both Reds showed the benefit of the experience during the 2013 Tour promoted by Aon and will aim to be involved again in the final leg against AIK Fotball.

Although Lingard had few opportunities to show his undoubted quality at the King Power Stadium, he was outstanding on the tour, scoring four times. Keane, meanwhile, started the win against Kitchee FC after playing a key role in Leicester's ultimately unsuccessful promotion bid.

"David Moyes will be pleased in the way that some players have grasped their opportunity," Schmeichel told ManUtd.com in an exclusive interview. "I’m thinking about Jesse Lingard who is coming home from the tour as top goalscorer.

"He had a very brief stay at Leicester and it didn’t really come off for him but he played for the Reserves again and was the best player in the Reserves squad. Maybe - just maybe - this is his opportunity and this is his year. It’s very interesting and, again, something for David to make a decision about.

"I feel this game against AIK is the last opportunity where he can really have a feel about the team and try out one or two combinations so it’s a big game for David and a big game for the players.

"Michael Keane had a really good season with Leicester and was very successful with them, Jesse less so, but they can work towards the same goal, having that experience makes players think about the future and which role they can have.

"No doubt about it - Michael is a very, very talented young man and Nemanja Vidic not travelling gave him an opportunity but I think, when the whole squad comes together in Stockholm, David will be spoiled for choice and he’s got to find the right combination."

Late goal wins the Milk Cup

http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And...ch-report.aspx

Well done to the team that United sent:).

Treble heroes endorse Zaha

Quote:

Manchester United legends Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole have tipped Wilfried Zaha for future stardom after watching the 20-year-old excel during this summer’s Tour 2013 presented by Aon.

http://www.manutd.com/sitecore/shell...n=0,69,672,318

The former Crystal Palace man was one of several outstanding performers in Asia and Australia, catching the eye during his five outings with a number of impressive displays and even scoring the pivotal equalizer in a 2-2 draw with Japanese side Cerezo Osaka.

And ahead of the eagerly anticipated 2013/14 season, Treble winners Yorke and Cole are keen to observe the England international's development at Old Trafford under new manager David Moyes.

Speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com, Cole said: “I think we’re all looking forward to seeing Zaha. He’s a young, up-and-coming player and he did extremely well at Crystal Palace last season and most people I’ve spoken to are looking forward to him playing and being involved this year.”

Echoing a similar sentiment, Yorke expanded: “To be a United player, the club will have done a lot of research on him. He’s coming into a new set-up and new surroundings. On tour, when he came on he lit up the stadium because he just loves to attack. That’s the United way.”

Although clearly excited by his seemingly immeasurable talent, Cole is especially wary of the pressure mounting on Zaha and has warned fans not too expect too much of him too soon, stating the fact that at 20-years-old, he still has his whole career ahead of him.

“Of course, there’s a danger you can expect too much of him,” Andy explained.

“You’ve got to take time with him. He has been brought to United based on his potential. He’s a baby, he’s never played in the Premier League before, so it’s a case of him doing as well as he can do.

“He’ll be hoping that he has caught, and continues to catch, David Moyes' eye with his performances in matches and training, and then he can kick on from there.”