Manchester United Asian tour 2 [ S. Korea ]

Report: FC Seoul 0 United 4

Pre-season friendly
Seoul World Stadium, Seoul

FC Seoul 0

Manchester United 4
Ronaldo, Eagles, Rooney, Evra


Chris Eagles and Patrice Evra both got on the scoresheet as United trounced FC Seoul 4-0 in the Reds' second pre-season tour match.

United, inspired by an effective and entertaining performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, were clinical in front of goal and sped to a 3-0 lead after just 21 minutes. Evra capped the scoring on the hour to seal an impressive win in front of a fanatical Korean crowd.

The Reds made four changes to the side that started against Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday, with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher all rested. Injuries again prevented fans from getting a first glimpse of new signings Owen Hargreaves and Nani, but Sir Alex handed starts to Chris Eagles and Phil Bardsley. Elsewhere, Mikael Silvestre and John O'Shea were called into the starting XI.

With both Silvestre and Evra in the side, the manager gave the Frenchman the freedom to push into midfield and he showed off his skills as early as the third minute with a cheeky back-heel pass.

But it was the star combination of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo that put the Reds in front on six minutes. With his back to goal, Rooney laid the ball square to Ronaldo who was given far too much space to run at the defence. In fact, nobody moved towards the Portuguese international, who advanced to the edge of the area before unleashing a low shot that beat Seoul goalkeeper Kim Byung-Ji at his right-hand post.

Rooney and Ronaldo carved open the defence again 10 minutes later but Ronaldo's touch was too heavy and the ball ran out for a goal kick. He got it right just nine minutes later when he cheekily dragged the ball inside to Chris Eagles on the edge of the area. Eagles, who last netted at Goodison Park in April, had time to pick his spot and curl the ball inside the left-hand upright to send United 2-0 up.

Rooney added a third two minutes later when FC Seoul were again found guilty of backing off United's attackers. The England international turned his marker before shifting the ball onto his right foot and blasting past Kim at the near post.

United were cruising at 3-0 but remained disciplined and continued to pass the ball freely. Ronaldo took the opportunity to show off a few tricks as the half drew to a close and even garnered squeals of delight from the crowd when he poured water over his head.

Sir Alex made wholesale changes at half-time, with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Alan Smith, Tomasz Kuszczak and Danny Simpson all given opportunities to impress.

FC Seoul emerged much sharper in the second half and almost pulled back a goal on 49 minutes. Nemanja Vidic was booked for a foul out wide and the resulting free-kick was curled in dangerously by Seoul's Portuguese midfielder, Ricardo. Defender Tae-Hwi Kwak was first on the scene but headed wide from just six yards.

The home side certainly showed more adventure after the break and kept Tomasz Kuszczak on his toes. But the Reds' fourth never looked too far away and it duly arrived in the 60th minute when Patrice Evra, released by Ryan Giggs, strode into the box and fired low and hard across the goalkeeper.

Seoul never recovered and failed to create any clear chances in the remaining half an hour. In the end it was a comfortable victory for United and an occasion the Korean fans will remember for many years.

Team Line-ups:

United: van der Sar (Kuszczak, 45), Bardsley (Simpson, 45), Ferdinand, Vidic (Evans, 77), Silvestre, Eagles, Carrick (Scholes, 45), O'Shea, Evra, Rooney (Smith, 45), Ronaldo (Giggs, 45)

FC Seoul: Kim (Kim, 82), Kwak, Adilson, Lee (Kim, 45), Kon (Koh, 73), Choi, Ki (Song, 82), Lee Chung-Yong, Ricardo (Ahn, 73), Lee, Jung (Shim, 45)

Manchester United Asian tour 1 [ Japan ]

Report: Urawa 2 United 2

Pre-season friendly
Saitama Stadium, Tokyo

URAWA 2
Uchidate, Ono

UNITED 2
Fletcher, Ronaldo

Despite scoring twice in a frantic five-minute period at the start of the second half, United ended the first Asia Tour match on level terms with Urawa Red Diamonds in Tokyo's Saitama Stadium.

Inspired by goals from Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Reds overturned a 1-0 half-time deficit to take the lead on 52 minutes. But drizzly conditions and a late equaliser from home crowd favourite Shinji Ono put a dampener on proceedings.

Despite the rain, both sides were determined to keep the ball on the ground and Paul Scholes was particularly effective early on, orchestrating United's attacks from the centre of midfield. Cristiano Ronaldo didn't disappoint his admirers either, pulling out his party tricks as early as the second minute.

The Portuguese winger, who drew cheers with every touch, forced Urawa Reds goalkeeper Tsuzuki into his first save on 25 minutes when he shot fiercely towards the near post.

But a minute later, the Premier League champions were behind. Urawa's Hideki Uchidate found space in the United half and let fly from 30 yards with a shot that swerved wickedly past Edwin van der Sar. In fact, the deviation was so severe, van der Sar was left diving in the wrong direction.

Urawa threatened again four minutes later but then seemed content to settle on the ball. So it was left to Wayne Rooney to inject a little sparkle into the match. With 43 minutes on the clock, Rooney provided an inch-perfect cross for Paul Scholes, but the midfielder could only steer his header into the arms of a grateful Tsuzuki.

A minute later, the England striker had everyone at the Saitama Stadium on their feet after coming within a whisker of a spectacular equaliser. Rooney picked up the ball inside the United half before turning on the speed to brush aside what seemed like most of the Urawa defence. But, when left with only Tsuzuki to beat, the Reds' no.10 scuffed his shot and the goalkeeper stretched out a right boot to divert it around the post.

Sir Alex made three changes at the interval, bringing on defenders Danny Simpson, Johnny Evans and Mikael Silvestre for Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra. Perhaps it should have been the home side shoring up the defence. It wasn't, and within seven minutes of the restart, United were 2-1 up.

Darren Fletcher scored the equaliser from 12 yards after substitute goalkeeper Yamagishi failed to hold a Michael Carrick shot moments earlier. Then, in the 52nd minute, the crowd got what they came for when Cristiano Ronaldo cut inside from the left wing to unleash a rasping drive past Yamagishi at the near post. It was typical of so many of Ronaldo's goals last season and a reminder of how dangerous the Portuguese winger can be when given space.

United looked comfortable thereafter but failed to capitalise on a number of half chances. Shinji Ono, however, was lethal when presented an opportunity in the 78th minute. The midfielder showed enormous composure to turn Johnny Evans and roll the ball coolly past Edwin van der Sar and into the far corner.

It was the last significant piece of action in an entertaining and free-flowing affair. The Reds now travel to South Korea for Friday's match against FC Seoul (kick-off 12:00 BST).

Team Line-ups:

United: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand (Evans, 45), Vidic (Simpson, 45), Evra (Silvestre, 45), Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick (O'Shea, 69), Giggs (Smith, 69), Scholes, Rooney
Subs: Kuszczak, Heaton, Bardsley

Urawa Red Diamonds: Tsuzuki (Yamagishi, 45), Hosogai, Horinouchi, Nene, Yamada, Uchidate (Hiriwaka, 45), Hasebe, Soma (Okano, 91), Ono, Ponte (Koike, 83), Tanaka (Nagai, 75)
Subs: Tsutsumi, Sakai, Nishizawa

News Out Field

Sunderland sign Richardson

After a string of summer arrivals, Kieran Richardson became the first player to walk through the Old Trafford exit door when he joined Sunderland on Monday in a four-year deal that sees the England international reunite with Reds legend Roy Keane.

Richardson, who played alongside Keane at Old Trafford between 2002 and 2005, was also thought to be a target for Everton and Middlesbrough. But Black Cats boss Keane came up trumps in the pursuit for the 22-year-old and now hopes the speedy midfielder can bolster his Championship-winning squad.

"I'm delighted we've been able to bring Kieran to Sunderland," Keane said.

"Having worked with him in the past I'm well aware of what a good player and a good lad he is. He's ready for a fresh challenge and hopefully Sunderland will provide that for him."

Richardson, who is expected to feature in Sunderland's friendly against Darlington on Wednesday, described the move as "exciting".

"I know all about Roy Keane and I'm looking forward to playing for his team. Sunderland is a big club and it's a great move for me."

Richardson joined United in July 2001 after a trainee spell at West Ham but didn't make his Reds debut until the following October when he came off the bench in a 3-2 Champions League victory over Olympiakos. Two weeks later he scored with a flying header against Leicester on his home debut.

Over the next 18 months, Richardson was handed only sporadic opportunities to prove his worth and, like so many other United youngsters, made his real mark away from Old Trafford during a loan spell.

At West Bromwich Albion, under the stewardship of Bryan Robson, Richardson excelled in the heart of the Baggies' midfield. His confidence grew during his six months at The Hawthorns and he returned to Old Trafford in May 2005 a more mature player

News Out Field

Torres signs six-year Liverpool deal

New Liverpool signing Fernando Torres believes the Spanish influence at Anfield will help him hit the ground running.


GettyImages
The Spanish striker is one of the hottest prospects in Europe.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has brought the Spain international to Anfield in a club record deal, believed to be just under £20million.

The 23-year-old, who side-stepped questions about previous interest from Chelsea, has signed a six-year contract but the size of the fee, coupled with Liverpool's attacking problems last term, mean he will be under pressure to perform immediately.

He has also been handed the club's famous number nine shirt worn by the likes of Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler, but is adamant that will also spur him on.

Torres, who will play alongside the likes of Jose Reina and Xabi Alonso, said: 'Hopefully I can settle as quickly as possible. It will be a help that there are so many Spanish speakers here and also the manager.

'I'll be able to understand them from the word 'go' and let's hope the settling in period is as short as possible.

'I don't see it as a pressure. It's a good responsibility and at the same time, it's a real privilege to have the opportunity to wear the shirt number.

'The fact that Liverpool have given me that number shows they've got a lot of confidence in me and they've got high hopes I will succeed.

'I just hope that I can do well over a good number of years at this club and be remembered in the same way as the guys that have been mentioned.

'I hope I can repay the confidence they've shown in me on the field in seasons to come.'

While many new arrivals claim to have followed their new club all their life, there is no doubting Torres is genuine.

His friends have Liverpool tattoos and he was also pictured with 'We will never walk alone' on the inside of his Atletico Madrid captain's armband last season.

He added: 'A group of my mates and I are all Liverpool fans and we have been for some years.

'A few years back, my friends each got a tattoo on their arm but obviously as a football player, I couldn't really get that tattooed on my arm.

'So on my last birthday they gave me the present of the armband with it written on the underside and it's 'We'll never walk alone'.

'This club is well capable of winning the Premiership and other trophies as they have proved in the past and recent history.

'We will be fighting on all fronts this year.'

Benitez himself was doubly impressed by Torres' desire to move to Anfield and was pleased with reports from his players returning from Spain duty.

He said: 'There is the anecdote with the armband and, maybe I shouldn't say this, but he was talking with some of his team-mates in the national team.

'He said 'ok, if I leave Atletico Madrid I would like to go to Liverpool. Say to Rafa, please say to Rafa!'

'The last season, we knew that (Dirk) Kuyt was our target and this year (Torres) was our target.

'After we reached an agreement with the club, they received a big offer, bigger than our offer, but the player said he wanted to go to Liverpool and he didn't want to hear anyone just to come here. That's the positive thing for me.'

Benitez also hinted that Craig Bellamy may be the striker to pay the price for Torres' arrival at Anfield.

With Andriy Voronin also joining this summer, speculation has increased about the futures of Peter Crouch and Bellamy.

But while Benitez confirmed he wants Crouch to stay, he admitted there is interest from other clubs in Wales international Bellamy.

Asked if Bellamy will be leaving, Benitez said: 'Possibly. We have some clubs asking about him and it's a possibility.

He added: 'The only thing I can say is that Crouch will be staying with us. I have said to Crouch that he must fight for his position and he will stay with us.'

Speculation has also linked Benitez with a controversial move for Manchester United's defender Gabriel Heinze.

But Benitez insists he is concentrating on signing wide midfielders.

He continued: 'Really we are working with wingers. People can talk about a lot of things and a lot of names but we're working on wingers.'

Ten perfect for Rooney

Wayne Rooney is changing his United squad number from 8 to 10 for the forthcoming season and beyond.

To mark the switch, Wayne met probably the club's greatest ever number 10, Denis Law for a special photograph at Carrington.

"When I was offered the chance to wear the number 10 shirt I jumped at it," says Wayne.

"Some of the game's greatest players have become legends wearing number 10, none more so than Denis Law.

"He was crowned King of the Stretford End during his time at the club and it is a great honour for me to wear a shirt that has such history behind it."

Rooney's manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne is a worthy addition to the roll-call of players who've worn the iconic red shirt.

"There have been some wonderful footballers who have worn the Manchester United number 10 shirt," says Sir Alex.

"These men have captured the imagination of our fans around the world with their skill and their goals. Wayne is the right man to carry on that tradition and I'm delighted that Denis Law was able to pass on the mantle."

United have yet to confirm who will replace Rooney at number 8, or which numbers will be worn by new signings Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves.

Soccer Rising Star

Gareth Bale

Personal information

Full name : Gareth Frank Bale
Date of birth : July 16, 1989 (1989-07-16) (age 17)
Place of birth : Cardiff, Wales
Height : 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position : Left-back

Club information

Current club : Tottenham Hotspur
Number : TBA

Gareth Frank Bale (born July 16, 1989) is a Welsh football player, currently playing for Tottenham Hotspur.

In December 2006 he won the Carwyn James Award for the BBC Wales Young Sports Personality of the Year .

He is one of the most talented young players in Wales' history, with a deadly left foot which has established him as favourite amongst the supporters.

Southampton

At the age of 16 years and 275 days, Bale became the second youngest player ever to play for the Saints (after Theo Walcott) when he made his debut on April 17, 2006. He played the whole match as Southampton defeated Millwall 2-0.

On 6 August 2006 Bale managed to swing home a left foot free kick to level the scores to 1-1 against Derby County. Both Rudi Skácel and Bale stood over the ball and the youngster took it sweetly, leaving the keeper with no chance with the ball sailing into the top right hand corner. He celebrated with his trademark twirl in the air. This was three weeks after his 17th birthday. The final score at Pride Park was 2-2.

He scored again, at St. Mary's, against Coventry City in the team's second game of the 2006-07 season with another superbly executed free kick, and further developed his reputation as a free kick specialist when he struck the post from one against West Bromwich Albion.By December 16, 2006, Bale's goal count had risen to five, thanks to a late equaliser against Sunderland and expertly-taken free-kicks away to Hull and at home to Norwich City.

On 4 March 2007, he was named the Football League Young Player of the Year.This capped an incredible first full season as a professional footballer in which he was one of the Saints' most creative players even though operating from the left-back position whilst his defending improved immeasurably as the season progressed.

His final game for Southampton was in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final against Derby County on 12 May 2007, when, following a succession of cynical, crunching tackles from Dean Leacock and Seth Johnson (amongst others), Bale was forced out of the game after 56 minutes, preventing him from appearing in the second leg. In total, he made 45 appearances for the Saints, scoring 5 goals.

Tottenham Hotspur

Bale completed a transfer to Tottenham on 25 May 2007, arranging a four-year deal, with Tottenham making an immediate payment of £5 million, with further additional payments that could see Bale's transfer go up to £10m.

Wales

He made the senior Welsh squad at the end of the 2005-06 season and then played his debut on 27 May 2006 as a substitute in a 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago, making him the youngest ever player to play for Wales aged just 16 years and 315 days to break Lewin Nyatanga's three-month old record. In the game he set up the winner for Robert Earnshaw.

On 7 October 2006 he became the youngest person to score a goal for the full Welsh national team in the Euro 2008 qualification match against Slovakia with a trade-mark free kick . He scored his second goal for Wales in a 3-0 win over San Marino on 28 March 2007.

Brian Flynn, the U-21 Wales manager has expressed comments of the potential in Bale as a future star of the game. Although being trained as a left-back, Bale's left-footed prowess and free kick ability have evoked comparisons to the great left-sided midfielder Ryan Giggs, also from Wales.

La Liga Report

Real Zaragoza 2-2 Real Madrid

ZARAGOZA, June 9 (Primera Liga) - Ruud van Nistelrooy struck an 88th-minute equaliser as Real Madrid salvaged a point from their trip to Real Zaragoza to remain in the pole position to win the Primera Liga title.

Madrid's hopes of being crowned champions for the first time since 2003 looked to be fading as they trailed 2-1 heading into the final few minutes at a rain-drenched La Romareda, while at the Nou Camp title rivals Barcelona, who were level on 72 points with Madrid at the start of play, led 2-1 against Espanyol.

But Van Nistelrooy's equaliser - his second of the match after Diego Milito had twice put Zaragoza in front - combined with a late Espanyol leveller means Madrid still hold the upper hand heading into the final round of fixtures.

Zaragoza looked the more dangerous early on, with Ewerthon sending a well-struck effort just wide after five minutes and Andres D'Alessandro soon after firing in a shot from outside the box which Iker Casillas parried away at his near post.

The visitors responded in the 11th minute with a decent long-range effort of their own, Robinho bringing a sprawling save out of former Madrid keeper Cesar Sanchez with a dipping 30-yard effort.

Three minutes later Madrid had probably the first decent chance to take the lead when Robinho sent a left-footed volley into the side-netting after latching onto a cross from David Beckham - the Englishman shaking off an ankle injury picked up on international duty in midweek to make the starting line-up.

At the other end, Ewerthon wasted two opportunities to test Casillas before Zaragoza centre-back Gabriel Milito showed his striker how it should be done with a free-kick that at least forced the Madrid custodian into a save.

Milito's brother Diego went one better in the 31st minute though as he put Zaragoza ahead from the penalty spot.

News had just filtered around La Romareda that Madrid's title rivals Barcelona had gone a goal down at home to Espanyol, but Fabio Capello's side soon found themselves facing the same deficit when Milito sent Casillas the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The kick had been given after Pablo Aimar went down under a challenge from Ivan Helguera, who had only been drafted into the Madrid line-up after Miguel Torres had suffered an injury in the warm-up.

Robinho and Van Nistelrooy failed to make the most of openings as Madrid tried to force an equaliser before the break, although Van Nistelrooy very nearly drew the teams level in first-half injury-time.

Sergio Ramos sent over a cross to the far post which Van Nistelrooy looked certain to turn home, but Cesar reacted superbly to parry the Dutchman's header away for a corner.

Madrid started the second half with a speculative 35-yard free-kick effort from Roberto Carlos which flew harmlessly wide, but Capello's men were back on level terms in the 57th minute thanks to Van Nistelrooy.

Again news of a goal from the Nou Camp preceded the one at La Romareda, with Van Nistelrooy heading home Sergio Ramos' cross at the far post just moments after Leo Messi had put Barca 2-1 up in their clash.

That was Van Nistelrooy's 24th league goal of the season and was the seventh match in succession that he has found the back of the net.

More importantly, it gave Madrid renewed hope in their hunt for their title.

However, that joy was short-lived as Zaragoza reclaimed the lead just seven minutes later when Diego Milito netted his second of the match.

Aimar made a darting run forward before feeding Milito on the right-hand side of the area.

The prolific Argentinian striker then raced into the area, coolly stepped inside the sliding challenge of Roberto Carlos, before firing home left-footed past Casillas.

With the title slipping from their grasp, Madrid coach Fabio Capello used his final substitution in the 66th minute, sending on Jose Antonio Reyes for Robinho.

It was pretty much all Madrid in the final 25 minutes as the visitors threw everything at Zaragoza.

Gonzalo Higuain had two decent openings, while Sergio Ramos and Mahamadou Diarra also went close with headers.

Madrid could not find a way past the impressive Cesar though, and the visitors suffered a further blow in the final 10 minutes when Beckham looked to damage the same left ankle he had problems with leading into the game.

The former England captain played on after receiving treatment though, and it was from a Beckham free-kick which Ramos very nearly headed Madrid level in the 87th minute.

Just when it looked as though Madrid would end up with nothing, Van Nistelrooy slotted home his second of the night after Cesar had parried a shot from Higuain.

That proved enough to earn Madrid a point - although Diarra could have snatched a late winner if he had kept his header down - but there was even better news from the Nou Camp where Espanyol had netted a late equaliser against Barca, leaving the title within touching distance for Madrid.


Barcelona 2-2 Espanyol

BARCELONA, June 9 (Primera Liga) - Espanyol captain Raul Tamudo denied Barcelona an important victory in the Catalan derby to ensure the Primera Liga title race will go down to the wire.

Tamudo also became the club's all-time top league goalscorer, scoring twice at the Nou Camp after Lionel Messi had looked certain to fire the hosts to a third consecutive title success with a brace of his own.

Barca went behind on the half-hour mark following Tamudo's opener, but responded just before half-time thanks to a controversial Messi effort.

The Argentinian struck again after the break, but Barcelona were denied in the dying minutes as Tamudo equalised and Real Madrid also came from behind to draw at Real Zaragoza and stay on top of the Primera Liga with just one game remaining.

Espanyol began brightly and after Luis Garcia had threatened in the very first minute, Tamudo saw his fierce shot well saved by Victor Valdes.

At the other end, Italian full-back Gianluca Zambrotta sent a long-range effort well wide and Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen was off target from 12 yards as Barca searched for an early advantage.

But Espanyol were looking more dangerous and Tamudo forced Valdes into a fine low save with an angled drive.

Luis Garcia also forced a corner for the visitors, but Barca soon came back into the game and Messi sent a low shot just past the post on 16 minutes.

Gudjohnsen, in the side for the suspended Ronaldinho, then sent a header just wide for Frank Rijkaard's side three minutes later.

The Spanish champions were enjoying the majority of the possession and won a free-kick just outside the area on 28 minutes.

However, Deco's effort was deflected wide and a minute later, Espanyol took the lead.

Ivan De La Pena released Tamudo with a brilliant threaded through-ball and the veteran forward smashed his shot past Valdes and into the top right-hand corner to equal Espanyol's all-time scoring record of 111 goals set by Rafael Maranon.

Barcelona looked lost at this point, but levelled in controversial fashion just before the break when Messi pushed the ball past Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni with his hand.

The Argentinian winger produced a repeat of Diego Maradona's sensational dribbled strike against England in the 1986 World Cup against Getafe last month and came up with a carbon copy of the first goal Maradona scored that day - the so-called ``Hand of God'' goal - against Espanyol by diverting Zambrotta's deflected cross past a hapless Kameni.

Despite the protests from the Espanyol players, the goal stood and the Argentinian winger was to do even more damage after the break.

Messi set up Gudjohnsen on 55 minutes, but the former Chelsea striker was unable to get his shot on target.

However, a minute later, the young midfielder struck again for Barcelona with a clinical low finish from 10 yards out after a flowing team move.

The Nou Camp faithful then realised that title rivals Real Madrid had gone down 2-1 at Zaragoza and celebrated the announcement of Diego Milito's goal as if they had won the title.

They should have waited though, because after Samuel Eto'o squandered a great chance for Barcelona to make it 3-1, Tamudo equalised in the dying seconds.

A minute later, things were even worse for Barcelona as news came through of Madrid's equaliser at Zaragoza, which leaves things as they were going into the last match of the season, when Barca will need their bitter rivals to slip up if they are to win the title.

Sevilla remain two points off the pace after drawing 0-0 against Mallorca.

News Out Field

Hargreaves to join United in July

Owen Hargreaves will complete his £17million move to Manchester United on July 1.

The England international's exit from Bayern Munich was confirmed by Franz Beckenbauer three weeks ago, since when Hargreaves' arrival at Old Trafford was viewed as inevitable.

Pictured at the Red Devils' Carrington training ground last week, the 26-year-old flew out to his native Canada on Tuesday, leading to speculation he would finally sign a five-year contract at some point over the next seven days.

However, a combined statement from United and Bayern revealed all the elements of the deal have now been concluded, with Hargreaves putting pen to paper when he returns from holiday at the end of June.

'Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with FC Bayern Munchen for the transfer of Owen Hargreaves,' said the statement.

'The player has also agreed terms with the club and passed his medical.

Owen will formally sign his contract with Manchester United when he returns from his holiday at the end of June and will join on July 1, 2007.'

Coming less than 24 hours after deals 'in principle' were announced for brilliant young Brazilian Anderson and Portugal winger Nani, it leaves Sir Alex Ferguson only requiring a senior striker to complete his squad for next season.

Samuel Eto'o would be Ferguson's first-choice should he get any indication from Barcelona that they were willing to part with the Cameroon international - who will be required for African Nations Cup duty in January.

The United manager is also an admirer of Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov and Klaas Jan Huntelaar of Ajax, although both men appear settled at their current clubs.

Jermaine Defoe, currently on international duty with England, remains a possibility, although it does not appear Michael Owen is on United's radar at present.

Even if he eventually fails to solve his striking dilemma, Ferguson can look back with satisfaction on his close season business.

In securing the services of Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani on long-term contracts, not only is the Scot bolstering his current squad ahead of their Premier League title defence, he is also looking to a future without Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

Hargreaves arrival will provide vital support for Michael Carrick, meaning Scholes can be used slightly more sparingly than he was this season.

Ferguson made a concerted effort to bring Hargreaves to Old Trafford after the World Cup, in which the midfielder turned out to be one of England's few success stories.

Hargreaves left no-one in any doubt he wanted to make the move, only for Bayern to block the deal fearing supporter unrest after losing Michael Ballack to Chelsea.

Ferguson was hopeful of resurrecting the deal in January but those plans were scuppered when Hargreaves - who has family from Bolton - broke his leg on club duty against Armenia Bielefeld in September.

However, there was little doubt the United boss was determined to push the transfer through once the season was over and Bayern's failure to qualify for next year's Champions League only made it more certain Hargreaves would end up at Old Trafford.