[bbfan1991]

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.”

[bbfan1991]

Wayne Rooney picks up hamstring injury on Manchester United tour. http://bit.ly/16uUk0Y

[bbfan1991]

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).

[bbfan1991]

Fixtures: Nine changes for Reds

Nine of Manchester United's Barclays Premier League fixtures from 17 August until 1 December have been selected for live television coverage.



The revised dates and / or kick-off times for these nine games are as follows:

Swansea City away - Saturday 17 August, 17:30 BST, Live on Sky Sports

Chelsea home - Monday 26 August, 20:00 BST, Live on Sky Sports

Liverpool away - Sunday 1 September, 13:30 BST, Live on Sky Sports


Crystal Palace home - Saturday 14 September, 12:45 BST, Live on BT Sport

Manchester City away - Sunday 22 September, 16:00 BST, Live on Sky Sports

Sunderland away - Saturday 5 October, 17:30 BST, Live on Sky Sports

Arsenal home - Sunday 10 November, 16:10 BST, Live on Sky Sports

Cardiff City away - Sunday 24 November, 16:00 BST, Live on Sky Sports*

Tottenham Hotspur away - Saturday 30 November, 12:45 BST, Live on BT Sport**

*The Cardiff match is subject to United’s possible participation in the Champions League the following Tuesday. **If Tottenham qualify for the group stages of the Europa League, this match will move to Sunday 1 December, at 12:00 BST, and will still be live on BT Sport.

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Thai work-out

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...-bangkok.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

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.

Rio relishing Thai trip

"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."

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Hello Bangkok

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...thailand.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Moyes: Thai fans are incredible

David Moyes’ first experience of fan fervour on a Manchester United pre-season tour will live long in his memory.



The Reds boss arrived in Bangkok with his team on Thursday and, though he was aware how passionate United fans were in Asia, he was still taken aback by the reception.

"The amount of people who were at the airport was incredible and the excitement when we arrived was like The Beatles – it was something else," Moyes told MUTV.

"There are fans in and outside the hotel and everywhere we go. It just shows the power of United. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it!."

Moyes also discussed Wayne Rooney’s injury and you can watch the full interview with Stewart Gardner on MUTV at 10:00 BST.

[bbfan1991]

Welbeck catching the eye

David Moyes says he has been impressed with Danny Welbeck as the striker looks certain to lead the line against the Singha All Star XI on Saturday in the opening match of the Tour 2013 presented by Aon.



The local lad rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and Wayne Rooney's return home with a hamstring injury has left him as the only out-and-out centre-forward in the squad.

"I've only seen him for a short time but I've been impressed," enthused Moyes at a press conference in Bangkok. "He looks a very good player.

Larnell Cole and Angelo Henriquez.

"Larnell Cole was given extra time off," confirmed the Reds boss. "He was playing in the European tournaments this summer. He's only just reporting back for training now. The people tell me he's an exciting prospect and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the coming months.

"At the moment, we want to change one or two things around. I just need a bit of time to do that. I've chosen not to bring them [some of the more established fringe members of the squad such as Bebe and Federico Macheda] on the tour. I felt as if I wanted to give some other players an opportunity so I've left them behind."

"I'm really excited but more excited about the players I'm working with. They've lifted me. The biggest thing is the professionalism. It's second to none. Also their commitment to be winners. I see it in training."

"A lot of the things he's done have been excellent. If we can add some goals to his tally from last year, it will make a big difference. From what I’ve seen so far, he's an exciting player and someone I'm looking forward to working with."

Jesse Lingard, Michael Keane and Adnan Januzaj who, like Welbeck, have played for the club's Academy, will all be handed a chance to shine during the tour.

"Tomorrow is my first opportunity to manage the team," added Moyes. "And it will take a little bit of time to get used to each other but that's what the games are for. We'll try and give as many people as we can an opportunity to play. We'll see some young players as well. Obviously, we will use all the games to prepare for the start of the season."

Some younger players have also been left behind and are likely to feature in the friendlies taking place in Britain and Ireland. Those competing at the Under-20 World Cup have been granted a break, namely Sam Johnstone, Guillermo Varela, Tom Thorpe, Larnell Cole and Angelo Henriquez.

"Larnell Cole was given extra time off," confirmed the Reds boss. "He was playing in the European tournaments this summer. He's only just reporting back for training now. The people tell me he's an exciting prospect and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the coming months.

"At the moment, we want to change one or two things around. I just need a bit of time to do that. I've chosen not to bring them [some of the more established fringe members of the squad such as Bebe and Federico Macheda] on the tour. I felt as if I wanted to give some other players an opportunity so I've left them behind."

"I'm really excited but more excited about the players I'm working with. They've lifted me. The biggest thing is the professionalism. It's second to none. Also their commitment to be winners. I see it in training."

Welbz. I am looking forward to seeing how the young lads we have taken on tour do!

[bbfan1991]

Boss provides injury update

David Moyes has had a few injuries to contend with in his first few days as Manchester United manager and he gave an update during a press conference in Bangkok on Friday.



Wayne Rooney has flown home from the pre-season tour after picking up a hamstring injury, while captain Nemanja Vidic, Nani, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young did not travel due to various ailments.

"Vidic is doing fine," the manager said. "He's on a course of injections to help his sciatica. If he improves then we'd consider bringing him out later on. The one thing we don't want to do is make it worse by flying him halfway around the world. So we have to consider that.

"Nani had an operation on his nose to clear a bit of breathing. At the moment we're not sure if flying is allowed so that’s the one downside. We'll have to wait and see."

Moyes also revealed his plans for the first game of Tour 2013 presented by Aon, against a Singha All Star XI on Saturday.

"It’s my first opportunity to manage the team and we'll try and give many people an opportunity to play; some of the younger players will get some game time," he said.

Federico Macheda and Bebe are also missing from the touring party and Moyes added: "At the moment, we’re looking to change one or two things around. I just need a bit of time.

"I’ve chosen not to bring them on the tour. I felt as if I wanted to give some other players an opportunity so I've left them behind."

[bbfan1991]

Moyes happy with search

United boss David Moyes says he is happy with how his search for new talent is progressing.



The Reds manager is continuing to look at ways of adding to this squad following the arrival of Wilfried Zaha and Guillermo Varela this summer.

Reports that Bayern Munich are close to signing Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona were said to be a blow to Moyes' transfer plans, even though he has a policy of not commenting on players from other clubs.

"We're on with targets that we are chasing at this moment in time," revealed Moyes at a press conference in Bangkok. "There are people we are actively chasing and, at this moment in time, we're happy with how things are going."

When asked directly if Thiago was still a target, he replied: "I never said at any time that he was."

Moyes also brushed off the latest questions about the future of Wayne Rooney, after Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho expressed an admiration for the England international on Friday.

"People are entitled to talk about good players," he insisted. "I'm sure Jose has been asked about lots of players as well. I'll keep repeating myself: Wayne is a Manchester United player and he'll remain that."

The likely absence for Rooney due to his hamstring injury is expected to be "two or three weeks" and he will work in the gym and pool in Manchester.

The club are trying. Hopefully there will be some interesting developments soon.

[bbfan1991]

Trio glad to be back

The Manchester United squad have enjoyed a productive two days’ training in the Bangkok humidity and are now looking forward to some match action.



The first of six games for the Reds on Tour 2013 presented by Aon is against a Singha All Star XI in the Thailand capital on Saturday night.

Speaking to ManUtd.com on Friday evening, three Reds stars admitted they were glad to be back after the summer break and enjoying the welcome they received in Thailand.

"It's only our second day in but it's been good so far," Jonny Evans said. "Training has been good and we're looking forward to the game. You do as much fitness work as you can but it's the games that are the real test for you.

"The reaction we get in Asia is always amazing. A Nike event we went to on Friday had a few thousand people there and it'll be a big crowd at the game. It's always great to see our fans and it reminds you how big our fanbase is when you come to places like this."

Tom Cleverley added: "It's been great to be back together again as a squad after the summer break and start working with the new manager and his staff. It's a good opportunity on tour to get to know them and everyone is looking forward to the season."

Meanwhile, Rafael has been reunited with his twin brother Fabio, who spent last season on loan at QPR, and the Brazilian said: "It's great to have my brother back! We're sharing a room on tour and it's nice to catch up and talk. I'm enjoying spending time with him a lot."

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Open training

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...our-2013.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Day 3 in Bangkok

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...thailand.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Zaha rejects loan talk

Wilfried Zaha wants to impress new United manager David Moyes after waiting to seal his move to Manchester.



The exciting England international signed for the club during the January transfer window but was loaned back to Crystal Palace and helped the Eagles clinch promotion to the Barclays Premier League via the play-offs.

Following his involvement for his country at the Under-21 European Championship in Israel, Zaha was pleased to link up with his new team-mates in time to travel on the Tour 2013 presented by Aon. Despite talk of interest from other clubs in signing him on loan, he is keen to make his mark at Old Trafford.

When asked about the speculation about his short-term future, he told ManUtd.com: "I've grafted to get here so Manchester United is where I want to stay.

"I have moved away from most of my family and friends but it’s progress. Everyone understands that. I wanted to make the move here because it’s what is best for my career."

Zaha only had a few days to settle in at the Aon Training Complex before jetting out to Thailand and he is getting used to life at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"I just stayed in my corner of the dressing room really and looked about and tried to get used to everyone," he admitted. "Everybody jokes around in the changing room and all that kind of stuff so it was just enjoyable really. I was a bit nervous coming in but everyone is cool so it was nice.

"I would’ve preferred starting with everyone else so I could make a good impression and put in a good effort so I’m just glad I was here before the tour started."

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Day 3 in Bangkok

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...thailand.aspx#

[bbfan1991]

Giggs hungry for more

Ryan Giggs says winning the league title last season made it an enjoyable summer, but the veteran insists he was itching to get back to work.



Giggs has returned to training with an extra string to his bow following the announcement that this season he will be a player/coach.

Like all the players, the 39-year-old is thoroughly enjoying the new United regime under new boss David Moyes and cannot wait for the season to start.

"Things have been going great to so far and everyone is working hard," Giggs told ManUtd.com. "Personally, I feel good. I shut down for about three weeks after the season finished but then started going in the gym a couple of times on holiday after that and also did a bit of swimming and a few runs. I was also in Turkey doing my coaching badges with Gary [Neville] so we were training partners which was good.

"I enjoyed the summer and if you compare it to last year they're like chalk and cheese. It's obviously great to win the league and you can enjoy your summer knowing you're champions, but as it goes on you're itching to get back - you want that challenge again and you can't wait for the season to start.

"Of course, you need that rest after a tough season but two or three weeks into your holiday you're already thinking about coming back and achieving more."

Giggsy.

[bbfan1991]

Singha All Star XI V Man Utd. Anyone watching the first United pre season game later? Kick off is at 2:00 PM.

[Ryan57]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

Singha All Star XI V Man Utd. Anyone watching the first United pre season game later? Kick off is at 2:00 PM.

Yes. What a wank match.

[bbfan1991]

Singha All Stars 1 Utd 0

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...er-united.aspx

I ended up going out at the last minute, missed the match but not bothered that we lost it is only pre season and it is about the players building their fitness back after returning from their Summer break.

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Bangkok clash

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...013-match.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Zaha savours feeling

Wilfried Zaha spoke to MUTV's David Stowell immediately after his first appearance for United, in Saturday's pre-season match in Bangkok...



How was that for you, pulling on the Manchester United shirt for the first time?
It was an incredible feeling really, to come on and play with the likes of Rio, Ryan Giggs, Anderson... knowing I was on the pitch with them was good enough for me.

It was hot for us just watching the match. What was it like to play in?
The humidity is crazy but we’ve just got to push on. And it will be good for our fitness when we go back to England.

So was this an ideal match for getting fit?
Yes, definitely. We’ve been working hard in pre-season training but a game like this was exactly what we needed. In some ways the weather helps us as well because you don’t even need to run to get a sweat on. It helped our fitness a lot.

You were a lick of paint away from scoring a debut goal. Talk us through it…
I really just out my head down and tried to connect with the ball properly. It would have been a different story if it had gone in. I’m glad I had a go and it would have been a great day for me if I’d scored one. But it doesn’t matter now.

You’re flying off to Sydney now. Is this tour a whirlwind experience for you?
Yes, it’s my first time on a tour like this and I’m not used to it. To have so many fans coming to watch a pre-season game is just different for me but I’m looking forward to the next part. I’m just looking to work hard and get better at everything.

He is down to earth and eager to improve, people were positive about his performance despite us losing.

[bbfan1991]

Reds visit excites Oz

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...ted-visit.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Moyes in awe of appeal

David Moyes has revealed Sir Alex briefed him on what to expect from Manchester United's pre-season tours... although he admits he is still learning to come to terms with the size and intensity of the Reds' global appeal.



United landed in Sydney on Sunday afternoon, the second leg of this season's summer tour and the first without Sir Alex Ferguson in 26 years.

Moyes' first exposure to a United pre-season came in Bangkok last week, where the Reds spent three nights in the Thailand capital amid fevered interest from the locals.

Moyes visited Australia with Everton in 2011 but the new United manager admits the level of interest his former side generated is nothing compared to the Reds' pulling power.

"I managed a very good club at Everton and we had great support out here – we visited Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and enjoyed that – but I have to put this into perspective and it's completely different," he said.

"The amount of support we've had, the amount of interest from the press... we're constantly watched and scrutinised and it's something I'll have to come to terms with.

"But the previous manager, Sir Alex, told me what to expect. He told me especially what the tours were going to be like and I think if you have a football club like Manchester United you have to make sure you go to your supporters worldwide and I think as a football club Manchester United do that very well.

"They take the club around the world and try and engage with the supporters wherever they are."

Moyes' first game in charge – a 1-0 defeat to a Singha All Star XI in Thailand on Saturday – may not have gone to plan in terms of the result, but he was pleased with the workout his side underwent in testing conditions.

Pre-season results have never been an accurate barometer for the season that follows and Moyes wasn't too concerned by the shock defeat. Certainly, he still has his sights set high for the 2013/14 campaign.

"The objectives for the season are probably no different from what any Manchester United objectives would be: to win as many trophies as possible.

"It's my first season as manager and I'm following probably the finest football manager that’s ever lived. If I can even win a quarter of what he won I'll have done very well. The first thing is to settle in to the job, get to know everybody and find my own way around."

Manchester United play the Foxtel A-League All-Stars at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday 20 July (10:30 BST).

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Arrival in Australia

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...tour2013.aspx#