Manchester United new boy Shinji Kagawa is determined to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford following his move from Borussia Dortmund.

The 23-year-old was the subject of interest from major clubs from around the world after impressing this season for the Bundesliga champions. However, Sir Alex Ferguson moved quickly to secure the signing of the Japan midfielder.

Kagawa is now eagerly anticipating getting started for the Red Devils and insists he wants to carve out his own legacy at Old Trafford after turning down the chance to wear the famed No.7 shirt once donned with such distinction by George Best, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

United's latest signing announced the decision in an impromptu press conference at Tokyo's Narita Airport following a whirlwind trip to England.

In addition to a flock of journalists, the Japan international was greeted by 100 fans seeking autographs and handshakes.

"I've just joined the team and haven't accomplished anything yet," Kagawa said after the 12-hour flight. "I want to make a name for myself [at United] on my own terms."

Kagawa further elaborated that he had asked for a number with personal meaning, leading to speculation among Japanese media that the player could wear the 8, 26, or 29 he once wore at Cerezo Osaka, or the 23 shirt that brought him fame at Dortmund.

"I don't know which numbers are free," Kagawa coyly told reporters. "I gave them my requests, but they aren't as important a number [as No. 7]"

Despite the rigorous travel schedule, the Samurai Blue star still appeared excited after finally putting pen to paper on the move.

"The contract was as long as I'd expected from a club [like United]," Kagawa laughed. "When I was at [Old Trafford], I thought about how incredible it would be if I could score there."

I like his attitude!:worship:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/pe...r-7879542.html

Sir Bobby Charlton carrying the Olympic flame outside Old Trafford, he is such a legend:worship::cool:.

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic is due to return to training a week earlier than scheduled as he steps up his bid to be fit for the start of next season.

The central defender has been sidelined since suffering a serious cruciate knee ligament injury during the Champions League clash against Basel in December.

Vidic, 30, is making a rapid recovery and plans are in place for him to start a fitness regime in the next week, before other members of the United squad return for pre-season training at the start of July.

The Serbian was initially three weeks behind schedule in his rehabilitation but the club are delighted with his progress since the end of the season and confident he will be fit for next season's opener against Everton on August 18.

Vidic has been running without trouble and has maintained a specially devised programme to improve his core strength around the knee.

On his return to the club’s Carrington training base, Vidic will be assessed by United’s team of physiotherapists and sports scientists. They will then update United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as to when he can expect his captain to join the full squad in first-team training.

Brilliant news:D.

Vidic's importance is incredibly underestimated.

Wayne Rooney revealed it is a 'horrible feeling' after England were knocked out of Euro 2012 by Italy in a penalty shoot-out.

Following a 0-0 draw in the quarter-final in Kiev, striker Rooney had put England 2-1 ahead in the shoot-out following Riccardo Montolivo's miss.

However, Ashley Young then struck the crossbar and Ashley Cole's penalty was saved by Gianluigi Buffon to hand Alessandro Diamanti the chance to convert the winning spot-kick.

England have now been knocked out of three of the last five European Championships on penalties after previously losing to Germany in 1996 and Portugal in 2004.

Rooney expressed the devastation in the England squad following the defeat and praised the endeavour of the players against Italy.

"It was a horrible way to go out," said Rooney.

"We are all gutted.

"It was a tough game and we all worked hard, so to lose on penalties is a horrible feeling for everyone."

England coach Roy Hodgson said after the game that his players should hold their heads high and it is a sentiment echoed by Rooney.

Rooney added: "We can hold our heads up high. There are a lot of young players in the squad and that will help them in next tournament."

Manchester United will play Barcelona in Gothenburg on Wednesday 8 August as part of Tour 2012, delivered to the world by DHL.

The match at the Ullevi Stadium will be only the Reds' second game in the Swedish city during Sir Alex Ferguson's time as manager - the previous occasion was in November 1994. United also played there twice under Sir Matt Busby, beating Gothenburg Alliance 4-2 in May 1955 and 4-0 twelve months later.

Announcing the game, chief executive David Gill said, "Manchester United against Barcelona is one of the top fixtures in world football and we are delighted to work with GotEvent to bring this match to the beautiful city of Gothenburg.

"We have a large following throughout Scandinavia and it’s great that this match will form part of our preparations for the new season."

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express Europe said, "We are delighted to be involved in another tour with Manchester United. Using our global network we’ll be supporting the back room team to prepare for the Gothenburg leg of the tour and ensure that the team are ready to deliver success on the pitch."

This match will be supported by Chevrolet, Manchester United’s new global automotive partner.

Wayne Rooney might be licking his wounds over England's Euro 2012 exit, but it will not be long before Manchester United matters are on his mind again.


The striker is starting his annual summer break to a background of general discontent regarding his performances in Ukraine this summer. In addition, a seemingly innocuous comment about the England camp being a better place as a direct result of the new manager, Roy Hodgson, having full command of English seems to have annoyed Fabio Capello.

Yet the Italian former England coach's caustic comments about Rooney only understanding Scottish may, indirectly, have an element of truth about them. After all, while there have been a couple of significant fallouts, the 26-year-old seems to react better to the Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, than to anyone else.

While Rooney can hardly be blamed for United selecting yesterday to highlight on their website an interview he gave them for their official diary of the 2011-12 season, entitled "Fight to the Finish", the comments reinforce a perception that United will always get the best of their star forward.

"I think we've all learnt a lot," said Rooney. "There have been a lot of games where you get a feeling afterwards that you never want to have again. Hopefully, we can get hold of that feeling and make sure it doesn't happen again. Just look at all the young players in the squad: they've played a lot of games, had a lot of ups and downs and most of them are already getting selected for their national teams.

"That's all going to help them. The next two or three years will be a big test for them and I'm sure we'll all pull through it."

Rooney's assessment was of a season that brought staggering low points for United, including a 6-1 home defeat by Manchester City; a defeat by Basle in December which led to them crashing out of the Champions League; and two games in which they were comprehensively outplayed by Athletic Bilbao, who finished mid-table in La Liga, in the Europa League. All these games left significant scars.

United nonetheless overcame all that to establish an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with just six games remaining, only to toss away the advantage and offer City a run to their first title in 44 years. Sergio Aguero's last-gasp, final-day goal at the Etihad Stadium then ripped the prize from their grasp.

Those setbacks, though, cannot be ignored. Ferguson, who returned to work this week, has begun the task of reshaping his squad with the arrival of the Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund. The England Under-19 international Nick Powell has been snapped up from Crewe Alexandra as Ferguson keeps an eye on the future.

Nevertheless, more will be required, even though actually piecing together a squad is not going to be easy for Ferguson, given the competing demands of Euro 2012 and the forthcoming London Olympics.

Of the United squad, only Portugal's Nani remained on active service in Poland and Ukraine as the semi-finals began. However, Ferguson prefers to give his players a minimum of three weeks off, meaning that those who have been involved in Euro 2012 in any way will miss some, if not all, of the club's pre-season tour to South Africa and Ukraine.

In addition, the goalkeeper David de Gea is certain to be required for Olympic duty by Spain and Ferguson can expect to lose more players, including possibly Ryan Giggs, when the Great Britain coach, Stuart Pearce, names his squad. United are also providing three players – Sam Johnstone, Tom Thorpe and Michael Keane – for England's Under-19 European Championship campaign next month.

United's captain, Nemanja Vidic, is not expected to travel on the pre-season tour either, as when he returns for duty next week he will be stepping up the rehabilitation work after a cruciate operation.

According to United's reserve-team coach, Warren Joyce, Ryan Tunnicliffe will be among the young players who are set to be retained next season, but Keane will be sent out on loan.

"There's bound to be interest from the Championship as they both did well last year," Joyce said yesterday. "The reserves won everything and Keane won the [reserves'] player of the year. For sure he will go out on loan but Tunnicliffe may well be around the first team."

Manchester United winger Nani believes he and his Portugal teammates can be proud of their Euro 2012 run.

Portugal gave World and European champions Spain a run for their money in their semi-final last night before losing on penalties.

"We really gave it all we had, and it's difficult to go out on penalties," Nani said.

"We showed a lot of quality. In the end Spain simply had more luck than we did.

“But people in Portugal can be proud of their team. We are sad as we deserved to be in the final - but we can go home with our heads held high."

Fans in South Africa will be the first to see new Manchester United signings Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell in action.

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed both men will play a major role in the Reds’ 2012 DHL pre-season tour, which begins in Durban on 18 July with a match against AmaZulu FC. United have also confirmed games in Cape Town (also South Africa), Shanghai (China), Oslo (Norway) and Gothenburg (Sweden).

And although some big names will be left in Manchester following a strenuous summer of tournament football, the Reds manager has promised he’ll send the “strongest team available”.

“We are all looking forward to the pre-season tour,” Sir Alex told ManUtd.com. “ It’s obviously very difficult in a year when we have had a Euro tournament and we also have the Olympics this year.

“The final tour squad hasn’t been decided yet but we will be taking the strongest team we have available.

“I am delighted our new newest signings, Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell, will be in the travelling squad, along with more established players such as Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Ji Sung-Park.

“I’ve always said how important it is to get a good pre-season behind us. We saw the impact a good pre-season had on the start of last year’s campaign. We have incredible support in South Africa and in China and I am looking forward to returning to both countries to start our preparation for the new season.”

Director leaves United board

Maurice Watkins CBE is stepping down from the board of Manchester United Football Club Ltd after 28 years' service. From 1991-2004, he was also a director of Manchester United PLC, a company quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

Mr Watkins joined the board in 1984, at the invitation of the then chairman, Martin Edwards. In 1986, he was centrally involved, alongside Martin Edwards, Bobby Charlton and Michael Edelson, in the appointment of Alex Ferguson to succeed Ron Atkinson. He has played a significant role in the development of Manchester United and the game of football both domestically and internationally during that time.

Announcing Maurice's departure, Chief Executive, David Gill said:

"Maurice has been a great servant of and adviser to Manchester United and I'd like to place on record my thanks and that of the other board members for the time and effort he has devoted to that task. He has been a source of calm, measured advice and someone who always has the genuine interests of the Club at heart. Although Maurice is leaving the board, in his role as Joint Senior Partner of Brabners Chaffe Street, he will continue to act as one of the Club’s advisers going forward. ”

Maurice Watkins said:

"It has been a privilege to serve on the board of that great institution which is Manchester United Football Club, for nearly thirty years and to work with so many committed individuals during that time. I shall continue to support the Club in the future both on and off the pitch wherever I am able to do so."

Manchester United plan to reward Wayne Rooney's below-par performances at Euro 2012 with a three-week break with the club set to allow the England striker to miss the club's gruelling world tour.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels the best way for his players who have competed at the Euros to return to fitness will be to have an extended break before missing the club's three-game tour of South Africa and China.

And as United prepare to start pre-season training, their star man - who spent time in Las Vegas before the Euros - took in a trip to Hollywood.

Question marks were raised over Rooney's fitness after he put in two average performances against Ukraine and Italy after being suspended for the tournament's opening two games.

Rooney - along with fellow England players Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones, France left-back Patrice Evra and Portugal winger Nani - will report back from pre-season training on July 16 - the day the touring party departs for Durban.

The sextet will then be put through an extensive conditioning programme before joining the European leg of the club's tour to ensure they are fit for the start of the new season in August.

Wayne Rooney has dismissed suggestions that he is to blame for England’s Euro 2012 failure.

The 26-year-old Manchester United striker insisted there is no flaw in his *temperament – despite being ruled out of Roy Hodgson’s plans for the games against France and Sweden by a two-match ban handed down for his red card in a qualifier in Montenegro.

And he defiantly declared that he has nothing to reproach himself about, even though Hodgson himself admitted that Rooney had under-performed in the penalty shoot-out defeat by Italy in the quarter-finals.

“I regret what I did in Montenegro,” said Rooney. “I shouldn’t have done it and I took the punishment I was given.

“I had no problem with the two-game ban I got and I will learn from it.

“I am sure everyone was keeping a close eye on me during the two games I did play and they all saw that I had no problem with my discipline.

“I showed last season that there’s nothing for me to worry about.

“I didn’t get a single booking for United in the Premier League, so it’s not something that I am concerned about.”

Rooney showed an impressive new level of restraint during a campaign in which he scored 36 goals for United.

But he paid a heavy price for his wild kick at Montenegro’s Miodrag Dzudovic in the 2-2 draw in Podgorica in October, with UEFA only reducing their initial three-game suspension when the FA launched an appeal.

Rooney has had a torrid time since *bursting on to the international scene as a teenager at Euro 2004.

His 2006 World Cup was ended by a red card against Portugal in yet another last-eight exit on penalties.

And he cut a frustrated figure in South Africa two years ago, when an obvious lack of fitness after an injury ensured he was powerless to prevent England being *humiliated by Germany in the round of 16.

Hodgson’s decision to allow his star *striker to begin his preparations for Euro 2012 by taking a holiday in Las Vegas has come in for criticism in the week since *England bowed out of the tournament thanks to a quarter-final defeat on *penalties to Italy.

But Rooney said: “Listen, we all did the best we could – every single one of us – and we can hold our heads up high.

“We came home knowing that we gave absolutely *everything at the Euros, but at the end of the day we just weren’t good enough because we didn’t go through.

“But we have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. It was a horrible way to go out – on penalties again – but I think we did our job to a certain extent. We’ve got a new manager, a lot of younger players in the squad, and they will all benefit from the experience of this tournament.

“Now we’ve got to look ahead to the next qualifying campaign and the World Cup
in Brazil.”

Rooney, 26, agrees that lessons now have to be learned – although he believes *Hodgson does have the tools to succeed with England.

He said: “We have got to learn to keep possession better because although the game was quite even, in terms of chances that’s where Italy dominated.

“When you see teams like Italy, Spain and Germany, they win games by dominating possession.

“That is something we have got to bring into our own game.

“The manager worked a lot on getting us organised and on team shape. I think we are already a better team than when he first took over.

“But he’s only been in the job a short time and I am sure we are not yet playing the way he wants us to.”

Rooney added: “I think there are young players coming through. Roy put four or five of them straight into his squad with the likes of (Danny) *Welbeck and (Alex) *Oxlade-Chamberlain. Theo *Walcott is relatively young as well.

“We have got a lot of young players coming through and they’ll learn from this *experience.

“If we can all gel together, keep working on the team shape and keep the same desire, then we will grow as a team.”

Park recalls United move:

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

Rafael has signed a new four-year deal which will see the Brazilian full-back stay at Old Trafford until the end of the 2015/16 season.

Rafael, 21, arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2008 and his performances for the first team have seen him called into the full Brazil squad.

Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted to have secured Rafael's services for a further four years and told ManUtd.com: “Rafael is one of the club’s brightest young prospects; he has no fear of playing and has great belief in himself.

"The boy has developed immensely since joining United, his energy and enthusiasm are a joy to watch. Rafael has all the attributes to become one of the best full-backs in the world and I am delighted he has signed a new contract.”

The man himself is just as pleased: “I am so happy to sign a new contract," Rafael told us. "I love playing for Manchester United, there is a great team spirit here and a real desire to win.

"My time here has been unbelievable; winning two league titles, a league cup and a Club World Cup has made me hungry for more trophies. I would like to thank Sir Alex for his belief in me and I would also like to thank the fans for their support.”

Queens Park Rangers have signed Fabio on a season-long loan.

The Brazilian full-back will spend the entire 2012/13 campaign at Loftus Road, where he will work under Reds legend and Rangers manager, Mark Hughes.

The news follows Monday's earlier announcement that Fabio's twin brother, Rafael, has extended his United contract until 2016.

Fabio has found first team opportunities limited in his Old Trafford career to date, thanks to misfortune with injuries and the tricky task of displacing Patrice Evra at left-back, but he has still made 53 appearances and scored twice.

His sustained run of involvement in the second half of the 2010/11 season culminated in a starting berth in the 2011 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced the defender has the wherewithal to succeed at Old Trafford, however, having admitted in April: "I think a year out at a good level playing every week will make Fabio a real top player for us.”

Fabio da Silva is determined to make his loan move to Queens Park Rangers a success.

The Brazilian defender will spend the entire 2012/13 season at Loftus Road, and he admits the move is crucial for the next stage of his career.

"I'm so happy to be here," Fabio told QPR's official website. "This loan is so important for me in terms of my career. I want to play as many games as possible here. I want to play well and win games as well.

"It's a good move for my career and for my confidence. Sir Alex Ferguson said that I'd enjoy it here and told me to play as many games as I can. I know that QPR is a club with great history. I read about the history and that's why I'm here.

"I also came here because I'm ambitious. I want to help QPR progress up the Premier League. Hopefully the fans will enjoy watching me in action, because I'll do my best."

QPR manager Mark Hughes feels the deal benefits all parties involved, as his side gain a talented player who will hone his craft before returning to Old Trafford.

"It's a great opportunity for us to loan a good, young player, who has decent experience of playing for a top club like Manchester United," said the former Reds striker.

"He's played a lot of senior games for United, so it shows the quality he's got. I know they think very highly of him and we believe he has all the attributes to be a success here next season.

"We can give him the games he's craving at this stage of his career, so it benefits everybody. He's very versatile - he can play left or right-back and he's also been utilised in midfield by Sir Alex in the past, so we know what we're getting, and that's a very good player."

Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs have been named in Great Britain's football squad for the London 2012 Olympics.

Team GB coach Stuart Pearce named the United duo in his 18-man squad on Monday after a summer of deliberation. The team will kick off its campaign against Senegal at Old Trafford on 26 July.

Great Britain then faces United Arab Emirates at Wembley before rounding off its Group A campaign against Uruguay in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

The top two teams from each group along with the two best third place teams qualify for the quarter-finals. The tournament rounds off with the final at Wembley on 11 August.

Great Britain squad: Butland (Birmingham), Steele (Middlesbrough); Bertrand (Chelsea), Caulker (Tottenham), Dawson (West Brom), Richards (Man City), Rose (Tottenham), Taylor (Swansea), Tomkins (West Ham); Allen (Swansea), Cleverley (United), Cork (Southampton), Giggs (United), Ramsey (Arsenal); Bellamy (Liverpool), Sinclair (Swansea), Sordell (Bolton), Sturridge (Chelsea).

Ryan Giggs can play well into his forties, according to his former Manchester United team-mate Bryan Robson.

The Welshman turns 39 towards the end of November and many have suggested next season will be his last in the red shirt after getting the chance to represent Great Britain at the Olympics this summer.

However, Robson, who did not retire at Old Trafford himself until the age of 37, accompanied Giggs on a recent trip to Shanghai and is in little doubt the midfielder is still in tremendous shape. With Paul Scholes also extending his playing career by at least another season, many more vintage displays by the veteran pair are expected next term.

"Both are fantastic professionals and it was great to see 'Scholesy' come back and play so well in the second part of the season," Robson told ManUtd.com. "The boss knows how to use them as well as he rests them at the right time and gets them in and they look fresh. Those two will do a great job for the club again next year.

"You definitely have to do things differently in terms of training. The boss maybe gives you a few more days off compared to what you normally get. But it’s up to you as individuals as well. You have to look after yourself that little bit better and prepare yourself that bit better.

"Both of them are dedicated pros who want to win more things so they will go about it the right way. I can see especially Ryan, perhaps Paul depending on whether his joints allow him to do it, but I can see Giggsy playing well past 40 just because of the natural fitness of the lad."

There has been debate around United's midfield options for some time but the club's former 'Captain Marvel' feels the current personnel have the opportunity to press home their claims, even if there may be the need for an addition to the squad.

"I still think we’ve got enough quality in the midfield area," he stressed. "Although people are talking about it, Michael Carrick had a terrific season last year. Unfortunately, because of the illness to Darren Fletcher, we probably could do with somebody to replace Darren at this moment in time. Everyone has got to keep their fingers crossed and maybe he can get over the illness and come back because that would be a major boost for the club. So let’s hope that happens."

Tom Cleverley, who is United's other representative in Stuart Pearce's Olympic squad, will also be looking to prove he is in good form ahead of the new campaign.

"For me, this is a big season for Tom Cleverley," admitted Robson. "He did have a lot of injuries last season but this year has to be the year where he rallies and proves himself to be a Manchester United player. So it is going to be a big year for Tom."

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole believes the Reds are well placed to win back the Barclays Premier League trophy, despite suffering last-day heartache in a thrilling climax to the 2011/12 season.

In fact, it’s precisely because Sir Alex’s men were so close to glory – a matter of seconds – that Cole says there’s no need to panic about the future.

“Yes, we lost the league, but that doesn’t mean we need an overhaul,” he told ManUtd.com. “Manchester City spent almost £300million to reach this level and only won the league on goal difference.

“I’m not disputing they were the best team last season – you can never argue with the league table – but they’ve had to spend a lot of money to even get near us. That’s why I think we’re in good shape. And whoever the manager signs between now and the start of the season will only improve that squad.”

Players are due back at Carrington for pre-season training later this week after a break that, Cole says, will have felt like “a very long summer”.

“You want to win something every single season so when you don’t your time off is naturally going to drag a bit. But they’ll come back doubly determined to do well this season.

“When you’ve lost the league you want to get straight back on the horse, so to speak, and set about regaining that trophy. As soon as last season finished they would have been thinking about this season. They’ll be thinking about how they can win it back, where it went wrong...

“At United, you never stand still or dwell on anything – good or bad. That’s the mindset that’s drummed into you at the club. I remember in 1999, after we won the Treble, the manager was already looking forward to next season.”

One player Cole is particularly looking forward to seeing in a United shirt this term is summer signing Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese international arrives at Old Trafford having made a big impact at German champions Borussia Dortmund and Cole has backed him to reproduce that form in the English game.

“I think Kagawa will be a very, very good player. To achieve what he achieved at Borussia Dortmund in just two seasons is incredible.

“I think the German league is one of the best leagues in the world. It’s a fantastic league – the players and the teams there are of a very high standard. So for Kagawa to have made that sort of impact, that tells you he’s a top prospect.

“Our other signing so far, Nick Powell, is probably one for the future. I’m not sure we’ll see too much of him in 2012/13.

“When you look at the forwards we have in the team at the moment, you’d have to say Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez would all be ahead of him. Dimitar Berbatov’s still at the club as well. Powell’s a talented boy, though, judging from what I’ve seen of him in a Crewe shirt.”

The stars of the current United squad are not the only famous faces who will greet fans on the DHL pre-season tour later this month.

Several club legends will accompany Sir Alex Ferguson, his staff and players on Tour 2012, which features games in South Africa, China, Norway and Sweden.

Club ambassador and former captain Bryan Robson will be with the party for the entire tour, as will South African ex-midfielder Quinton Fortune.

Former striker Andy Cole will once again experience the passion of fans in China when the Reds visit Shanghai, while fellow Treble-winner Denis Irwin is travelling to Durban.

Another South African, popular goalkeeper and now respected TV pundit Gary Bailey, will be representing the club in Cape Town.

"I’ve been fortunate to visit the Far East quite a lot in the last 12 months and the appetite for United is getting bigger and bigger," Cole says. "It’s phenomenal and I’ve often had to pinch myself and just think, 'Wow'."

Bailey adds: "South Africa always becomes very excited whenever United are coming over on a pre-season tour. There’s a huge following for the club and it will be wonderful to see United here again."

All the legends will be meeting fans and appearing at various sponsor and charity events on tour, and they can also be spotted at United’s matches and open training sessions.

United: Big in Japan

Shinji Kagawa has become United’s first Japanese signing, but the Reds have several other links with the Land of the Rising Sun…

Looking Sharp
Sharp Electronics were United’s first shirt sponsors, and the Japanese electronics company had their logo emblazoned across the Reds' shirts from 1982 in a deal that lasted almost two decades. The partnership came to an end after the 1999/2000 season, at which point Vodafone became the Reds' principle sponsor.

Familiar foes
In 1989, the Reds’ maiden voyage to Japan pitted them against familiar foes, as Howard Kendall’s Everton overcame the Reds 3-1 in Kobe. Just 8,000 fans were present, but a whopping 40,000 turned up to watch United face a Japanese National XI in Tokyo, where Mark Robins scored the only goal of a hard-fought game.

Schmeichel’s bow
While Peter Schmeichel’s United career ended in glorious circumstances in the sporting mecca of Barcelona’s Camp Nou, it began in distinctly less salubrious surrounds, against Japanese side Mazda at Littleton Road back in 1991. Former Red Bill Foulkes managed the visitors, who won 2-1 in a game watched by only a handful of spectators.

Touring parties
United have thrice locked horns with Urawa Red Diamonds in pre-season tours of Asia. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (1997, Tokyo) and Wayne Rooney (2005, Saitama) both bagged braces in 2-0 victories, while Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a 2-2 draw in July 2007. Two years earlier, Kashima Antlers sprang an almighty shock as they overcame the Reds 2-1 in Tokyo.

On top of the world
Winning the Treble in 1999 secured United a shot at the Intercontinental Cup, and with it the title of the world’s greatest club side. Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Palmeiras stood in the way and United were indebted to a fine performance from goalkeeper Mark Bosnich in keeping the Brazilians at bay. At the other end, a close-range finish from skipper Roy Keane provided the only goal of the game and ensured United ended the 20th Century as the world’s best.

Thunderbolts and lightning
United were due to face Urawa Red Diamonds in the inaugural Vodafone Cup at Old Trafford in 2004, only for the elements to decree otherwise. Boca Juniors and PSV Eindhoven made up the remainder of the four-way tournament. United beat the Dutch 1-0 and Boca overcame Urawa 5-2, but before the J-League side could face the hosts, a lightning storm prompted the abandonment of the tournament.

"Bring on the Martians"
United’s second stint as world champions was also secured in Japan. In the rejigged FIFA Club World Cup, the Reds first overcame AFC Champions League winners Gamba Osaka in an eight-goal thriller, then squeaked past Ecuador’s LDU Quito. Upon securing global rule, the small band of travelling supporters in Yokohama cheered: “Bring on the Martians.”

Rumour time:

Neil Custis writes in The Sun...

Fergie makes his Mou-ve
Manchester United could be closing in on Portugal’s Joao Moutinho. The club are understood to have approached Porto with a view to signing their attacking midfielder. United are now preparing a £25million bid after getting fed up with Spurs’ demands for Luka Modric. SunSport revealed last month that Modric was boss Alex Ferguson’s No 1 target and United were ready to bid £25m rising to £30m. But Spurs have now quoted £40m for the Croatian and United will not pay that. Moutinho, 25, would follow Ronaldo and Nani on the successful track from Portugal to Old Trafford. Spurs and Chelsea are also interested in the player, who this week praised Andre Villas-Boas.

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley says he joins Great Britain's Olympics squad with manager Sir Alex Ferguson's approval.

He admits he needs "minutes" after last season's injury-plagued campaign.

Cleverley told the Manchester Evening News: "The manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) was happy for me that I was shortlisted and had no problems about me being in the Olympics if chosen.

“I will miss United’s pre-season tour and, ideally, I would have liked to do both. But after my injury spell out last season, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were doing so well I didn’t get much game time.

“So I need minutes on the pitch and I feel that playing in high-stake competitive matches like I’ll get at the Olympics is right for me.

“I am very excited about it and I just want to have a good tournament. It’s a fantastic opportunity and a great boost.”

Berbatov still a United player

Dimitar Berbatov remains a Manchester United player and will join the Reds on the DHL pre-season tour.

The Bulgarian has been strongly linked with moves away from Old Trafford this summer, but Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the striker is still part of his plans.

“Nothing has happened with Dimitar and he’ll join the tour to South Africa and China,” the boss told MUTV. “He’s a fantastic footballer.

“It wasn’t a great season for him last season, partly because I settled more with Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck... and Chicharito.

“I don’t think I treated Dimitar unfairly but he can feel disappointed that he didn’t get more football. He’s a fantastic talent.”

Manchester United’s DHL pre-season tour begins with two games in South Africa (Durban, Cape Town) before Sir Alex’s squad move on to China (Shanghai), Norway (Oslo) and Sweden (Gothenburg).

Sir Alex: More deals possible

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed there could be more signings during the transfer window as the club continues to work behind the scenes in that area.

The United boss suggested in an exclusive interview with MUTV that Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell may not be the only arrivals this summer if his plans bear fruit. Despite intense media speculation, the Reds will continue to conduct any negotiations in private and it often proves to be a lengthy business.

When asked if he is hoping to make further additions, Sir Alex replied: "Yes, there's a possibility. We’re working on one or two things but there’s nothing really to tell you to be honest.

"We always try to get our work done at the end of the season – we spent a good deal of time sorting the deal with Shinji and we’d agreed a deal with Nick Powell before the play-offs which was a good move by us because the boy had an outstanding final at Wembley.

"When you don’t get deals done immediately and you’re negotiating with a club over a long period, then you can’t expect to just snap your fingers and get it done."


Good news!:):D