[bbfan1991]

Moyes salutes 'best' display

David Moyes hailed Manchester United’s “best performance” of this summer’s Tour 2013 presented by Aon following a dramatic and entertaining 2-2 draw with Cerezo Osaka on Friday.



Competing for the Yanmar Premium Cup in Japan, United were twice behind but thankfully managed to restore parity on both occasions thanks to goals from homecoming hero Shinji Kagawa – a graduate of Cerezo’s famed youth system - and Wilfried Zaha’s 90th conversion.

And afterwards, when speaking to MUTV, the boss was quick to praise the champions' encouraging display of determination after tipping his cap to the home side's quality.

“I thought Cerezo Osaka played very well tonight,” Moyes explained. “There are some interesting young players here. This club has a reputation for producing young players and it looks like they may have another couple of good players.

“I'm happy. I thought the team played well. I'm delighted we scored the late goal. I thought it was our best performance since we've been on tour.”

When quizzed on Zaha’s impressive endeavours this tour, he continued: “Wilfried has done well. He's done well in the games. He's quite quiet and still getting to know everybody. I think he's performed well. He's had an impact in the games. We just want to try and bring him along nicely.

“I think tonight will help him. He's showed players he can make things happen. At Manchester United we want all players to score goals and he's come up with an important goal in the last minute.”

Attention now turns to United’s final Asian outing against Hong Kong outfit Kitchee FC, a match that will not feature Friday’s goal scoring hero Kagawa – who is temporarily leaving the touring party to take a well-deserved holiday following his exploits with Japan at this summer’s Confederations Cup

“We've given Shinji more holiday because of his football with Japan in the summer,” Moyes told reporters. “We try and give all players four weeks, if possible, and Shinji hasn't quite had that time. So we'll give him another week's rest. I think Shinji's going to do some training with the club, so he can have some more time at home in Japan. He'll do some training here.”

Another player who is unlikely to play on Monday is Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans, according to the boss: “Jonny has a bit of bone bruising in his foot and just felt it's not really improved that much. We don't want to take any chance with it.”

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: All square in Japan

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

[bbfan1991]

Zaha eyes league game-time

Wilfried Zaha is hoping his exciting performances for United can earn him plenty of playing time in next season's Barclays Premier League.



The winger scored his first goal for the Reds in injury time to earn a 2-2 draw with Shinji Kagawa's former club Cerezo Osaka. After coming off the bench to great effect, he is pressing home his claims for a starting spot in David Moyes' line-up.

"It felt great," Zaha enthused to MUTV. "The goal has been coming for the last couple of games and I'm happy I finally managed to get it.

"It's all about the gaffer really as he's given me chances to prove myself and play with the likes of Rio, Giggsy, van Persie and Welbz. I've enjoyed it and it's a great chance to meet everyone and bond with the team. They have made me feel at home. Everyone encourages me and supports me so it's cool - I feel like a Manchester United player.

"It was hot out there - every minute I was trying to go to the bench and get water but it's good practice for us to play in such conditions as, when we go back to the club, it'll be easier.

"It's been Just playing time is all I wanted and hopefully I'll get that in the season to come"

Glad Wilfried is impressing, he has a lot of potential and also the ability to develop his game!

[bbfan1991]

Wilf's warm welcome

Wilfried Zaha insists he feels right at home at Manchester United, despite only training with his new team-mates for the past two weeks.



The former Crystal Palace winger has caught the eye in each of his three pre-season performances so far and was singled out for praise from boss David Moyes following the Reds' match in Yokohama on Tuesday night.

And although Zaha has admitted he's still somewhat "starstruck" when he looks around the United dressing room, the 20-year-old says he's settling in well.

"Everyone’s so nice and they make you feel comfortable," he told ManUtd.com. "I was so nervous when I came in, but I was made to feel at home straight away.

"On my first day at the club there were about 100 people I needed to meet. I was going around shaking people’s hands and thinking ‘I’m never going to remember these names!’. But it is like a family here."

Senior members of the squad have also gone out of their way to welcome the new recruit, while Zaha revealed he's struck up a close bond already with Danny Welbeck.

"Everybody’s done their bit," he said. "Rio spoke to me, Giggsy’s spoke to me on the pitch, helping me out with positioning and things like that.

"Welbz is one of the people I speak to the most, though – him, Adnan [Januzaj] and Alex [Büttner].

"Anderson has been good too. Everybody’s tried to make me feel comfortable. It’s been really nice. All the people at the club are chilled out and this tour is giving me the chance to get to know everyone. I’m enjoying it."

[bbfan1991]

Adnan loving tour life

Adnan Januzaj says the pre-season tour has given him a taste for life in the first team which he hopes will continue this season.



The midfielder has featured in the Reds' three matches so far on Tour 2013 presented by Aon and caught the eye throughout.

The 18-year-old has cited Ryan Giggs as a key person in helping him progress and the Belgian hopes the tour experience will stand him in his good stead for the remainder of the campaign.

"I try to impress the manager and play for Manchester United's first team. That's what I came here for," he told PA Sport.

"I hope I can develop into a top player, but I know I have to work hard to do that and do my best.

"Ryan Giggs has helped me a lot. Every time I need to ask something I go to Giggs. He helps me.

"My target for the season is to try and get some games for the first team. I have not spoken to the manager about it yet, but I would prefer to do that rather than go out on loan. Everyone wants to play for Manchester United."

I am glad that Adnan has been given a chance to show his potential during the tour and has impressed too.

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Away kit launch

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

[bbfan1991]

Video: Away kit shoot

http://www.manutd.com/en/Kit-Launch-...-away-kit.aspx

[bbfan1991]

United We Stand Podcast with Rio Ferdinand:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...london-2092915

[Ryan57]

How can that be our best performance on tour? We were embarrassing until the youngsters came on. Quite clearly the beating of the Australian 'All Stars' team was the best performance so far.

[bbfan1991]

Zaha eyes more goals

Wilfried Zaha hopes his late goal against Cerezo Osaka in Friday night’s 2-2 draw is the first of many for Manchester United.



Although appearances and goals in pre-season friendlies don’t count officially in the record books, Zaha admits he's drawn plenty of confidence from the strike. And while he's never been a prolific goal-getter, he says he’s keen to find the net regularly in a Reds shirt this season.

“I’d had so many chances during the previous games so I'm happy I managed to get a goal," he told ManUtd.com and PA Sport. "I have dreamed about that moment. I just wanted to score for Manchester United and I finally did it.

“I’m not a player who scores all the time, although I'd like to be. I'm just glad I can when I get the chance.”

Zaha also reiterated his desire to stay at United this season and fight for a first-team berth, rather than gain experience elsewhere on loan.

“My target is to get minutes during the season,” he said. “For my first season in Manchester, I don't want to go out on loan. I just want to play when I get the chance.

“[The tour] has been enjoyable. It’s the first time I’ve been away with everyone and I’m getting to know them and bond with them.

“I was awestruck when I first came. But just being around the other players makes me know they are down-to-earth players. They are just like me, really.”

Good lad.

[bbfan1991]

Today in Hong Kong

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...kong-blog.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Wilf has tools to be top

Rio Ferdinand admits he’s been pleasantly surprised by Wilfried Zaha on Manchester United’s Tour 2013 presented by Aon.



The young winger has shone in each of his four performances so far, and rescued the Reds from defeat in Osaka with an injury-time equaliser to cap an impressive cameo from the bench.

Zaha’s direct approach and eagerness to take on defenders has set tongues wagging, both among United’s fan base and inside the Reds’ dressing room.

“The thing that has most impressed me about Wilf is his raw ability,” Ferdinand told ManUtd.com and PA Sport after the 2-2 draw in Osaka. “He can take someone on from a standing start. He’s quick and direct but what has surprised me more than anything is how quickly he gets his shots off.

“I hadn’t seen a great deal of him beforehand and obviously he’s a winger, but he seems to have a hunger to get inside and cause trouble in the opponents’ box and that’s a good thing to have.”

Ferdinand was understandably reluctant to heap too much praise on Zaha too early, but admits he’s excited to see what sort of player the 20-year-old matures into.

“I don’t like to say too much too early, but I think he’s a fantastic talent," added the defender.

“He’s a raw talent with great individual skills who can only get better. The early signs are he’s a hard worker who wants to improve and be a top footballer. With those attributes and hopefully that desire and influence from the players at this club means we’ll hopefully have a top player on our hands.

“The advice I’d give him is simply to get his head down and work hard. It’s as simple as that. It’s not rocket science. He needs to keep working on all aspects of his game, learn from others around him and keep on improving.”

Nice praise by Rio for Wilfried!

[bbfan1991]

Hong Kong training cancelled

United open training cancelled

* Joint decision between Hong Kong FA, Kitchee FC and Manchester United
* Aimed at preserving the pitch
* Safety of players paramount



Manchester United, Kitchee FC and the Hong Kong Football Association have reluctantly made the decision to cancel the open training session planned for tomorrow (Sunday 28 July) evening at the Hong Kong Stadium.

The pitch has suffered from torrential rainfall in the last week and has staged a number of games in a very short space of time.

Wednesday's matches (Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City vs South China) had their kick-offs delayed, only proceeding after being shortened to 40-minute halves. The weather has continued to present problems for the pitch and the first consideration of both the HKFA and Manchester United has to be the safety of the players in such conditions.

The club has consulted with the Hong Kong FA and has also taken advice from Kitchee FC. In the absence of any other suitable facility at such short notice, the open session has regrettably been cancelled.

[bbfan1991]

Paul Scholes hopes Manchester United can sign Cesc Fabregas and urges Wayne Rooney to stay

http://www1.skysports.com/football/n...rooney-to-stay

[bbfan1991]

Scholes confirms Moyes talks

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)."

Great news, whenever he is ready to join the coaching staff.

[bbfan1991]

Anders enthused by set-up

Anders Lindegaard is enjoying his job under the new Manchester United coaching set-up.



It’s almost a month since David Moyes took the managerial reins and Chris Woods became the Reds’ new goalkeeping coach.

And Lindegaard has been impressed by how well the duo have taken to their new roles.

"David Moyes has really gelled with the situation," the Danish stopper told PA Sport. "He has given the club and the staff the authority you need to be in that job.

"It has been a pleasure to see and nice to be a part of. And I have had a very good impression of Chris, too."

Lindegaard continued: "David has done a brilliant job. He slid into his new role in Manchester really well. I am enjoying working with him every day. He has gone straight to the heart of it and is doing his job with great authority."

Lindegaard has played in two games so far on Tour 2013 presented by Aon, most recently in the 2-2 draw with Cerezo Osaka on Friday night, when there were drinks breaks in either half to combat the stifling conditions.

"It is tough," Anders admitted. "One of the reasons we are here is to get our fitness levels high and these conditions are pretty much perfect for that.

"People at home can't see through their TVs, or in pictures in the newspaper, how difficult the conditions are. It is hard for us. But in terms of the practical issues of being on a pre-season tour, it definitely pays off."

[bbfan1991]

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."

[bbfan1991]

Today in Hong Kong

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...kong-blog.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Reds in Hong Kong

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour2013/To...hong-kong.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Moyes: We'll cope with pitch

The Hong Kong Stadium pitch may not be in ideal condition after the recent torrential rain in the city, but David Moyes insists the players are more than capable of coping with the conditions.



Amid incredibly wet conditions the pitch has hosted four games in the last four days as part of the Premier League Asia Trophy involving Manchester City, Tottenham, Sunderland and South China.

The club was forced to cancel open training at the stadium on Sunday night in order to preserve the pitch ahead of Monday night's game against Kitchee and Moyes is confident the players will be able to deal with the challenge.

"We're used to playing on good surfaces but the weather has been terrible for a few days. There's nothing people in Hong Kong could do about that. We'll play - players have been brought up on all sorts of pitches, although I do take your point that we're used to good surfaces," he told reporters on Sunday.

"I hope it will be okay. The weather's drying out and I hope the pitch will be fine. It will be the same for both teams.

"Players can get injured on good pitches as well," he added when asked about his concerns over players picking up knocks. "It can happen on any pitch. Obviously we'd rather be on a very good surface but the players are used to it."

[bbfan1991]

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."

Moyes says the Crewe game will come too soon for Wayne Rooney but that the striker is still on course to play in the friendly against AIK in Stockholm on 6 August.

And Jonny Evans is the only definite absentee for the first team’s tour game against Kitchee FC at the Hong Kong Stadium on Monday night.

"When you've been away for three weeks and played games in quick succession there will always be slight problems with strains," Moyes said. "The only one who definitely won't be involved tomorrow is Jonny. He's just feeling his ankle.

"At the moment we still think Rooney is on course to be involved in [the Stockholm] game."

Great news.

[bbfan1991]

Moyes confident over signings

David Moyes is confident the Reds will bring in some new faces before the transfer window closes.



The United manager confirmed earlier this month that the club had made a bid for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas and while the boss had no major update on that situation, he insists he remains optimistic over possible signings.

"We hope we will do [sign new players], but what we've got is a good squad already. You can't forget about the quality that's already here," he told reporters in Hong Kong on Sunday.

"Undoubtedly we hope to add to it and I'm quite confident we'll do that... certainly before the window shuts."

On Fabregas, Moyes added: "I couldn't tell you if there will be another bid. Obviously we'll take stock and make a decision on what we do next."

Hopefully. I am patient and positive about this Summer transfer window, but not surprised that there has been doom and gloom amongst some fans already about it!

[bbfan1991]

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 Sky Sports News: "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."

Injury has kept Rooney out of United's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia and, in his absence, new signing Wilfried Zaha has caught Charlton's eye.

He said: "There's a new player, Zaha, and he's maybe been the star of the tour.

"Give him the ball and all he wants to do is beat defenders and smash it into the back of the net. I think crowds are going to love him."

I hope this happens despite the divided opinion about Rooney, no doubt Sir Bobby will get some stick from the anti Rooney people for wanting him to stay!

[Ryan57]

On this day in 1996, Manchester United signed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from Norwegian club, Molde for £1.5 million.

[Ryan57]

Nani scored twice in Man Utd XI vs Crewe.

First goal:

Youtube video

Second goal:

Youtube video