Manchester United Asia Tour 4 [ China ]

Report: Guangzhou 0 Utd 3

Pre-season friendly

Guangdong Olympic Stadium

GUANGZHOU PHARMACEUTICAL 0

MANCHESTER UNITED 3

Rooney, Nani, Martin


United's pre-season tour of Asia ended with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical in the Guangdong Olympic Stadium, with strikes from Wayne Rooney, Nani and Lee Martin.

Injuries to Ryan Giggs, Edwin van der Sar, Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo meant Sir Alex was able to hand Lee Martin and Tomasz Kuszczak their first pre-season starts, while youngsters Phil Bardsley, Danny Simpson and Darron Gibson also gained starting berths.

Dong Fangzhuo fulfilled his dream of starting for United in his home country and was cheered throughout. But it was a frustrating run-out for the China international, who so desperately wanted to find the back of the net. The game's first chance fell to Dong, when Martin's low ball
flashed across the goalmouth. Dong was unable to make a connection on that opportunity but did go closer on 15 minutes when he headed wide.

The home team showed little ambition going forward, content instead to try and soak up the pressure. It was a risky tactic and the Reds made Guangzhou pay on 20 minutes when Michael Carrick was chopped down inside the penalty area. Guangzhuo weren't happy with the referee's decision to award a penalty – he'd initially signalled for a free-kick just outside the box – but Rooney ignored the protests to blast home from 12 yards.

The Reds scored three in 15 minutes against FC Seoul and three in 11 minutes in Macau, but there was no goal rush this time. United struggled to penetrate Guangzhou's defensive line, although the home side's negative tactics didn't help matters.

The first real chance from open play arrived in the 41st minute when a Michael Carrick cross was touched onto the woodwork by a Guangzhou defender. It was a timely intervention since Rooney was lurking at the back post and would surely have buried the chance. As it was, the ball bounced back into play and Rooney was penalised for a foul in the ensuing scramble.


It was left to Nani to brighten what had been a sloppy first period. The Portugal international, who scored on his debut against Shenzhen FC, added to his goal tally with a glorious chip from the left side of the penalty area, which drifted over Guangzhou goalkeeper Shuai and in off the far post. It was the kind of sublime piece of skill and ingenuity United fans will hope to see more of during his Old Trafford career.

Sir Alex made two changes at the start of the second half, with Gibson making way for John O'Shea and Tom Heaton coming on for Kuszczak… eventually. The referee actually blew his whistle to get the second period underway without realising the Reds had nobody in goal. The game was quickly stopped, however, to allow Heaton time to take up his position between the sticks.

The error drew ironic cheers from the crowd, which soon turned to celebrations as Martin fired United further into the lead with a brilliant swerving strike from 30 yards. Had it not been for Nani's spectacular first-half effort, Martin's goal would surely have grabbed all the headlines.

The game opened up somewhat as both teams made a string of substitutions. Alan Smith, Chris Eagles, Patrice Evra, Mikael Silvestre and Wes Brown all saw action, but it was the 76th-minute introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo that drew most attention. Despite playing for only a quarter of an hour, Ronaldo still managed to pull out his tricks in what was a thrilling display of exhibition football. It was a lively end to the match, although, on the whole, Sir Alex will be delighted with United's pre-season form.

Team Line-ups

United: Kuszczak (Heaton 46); Bardsley, Vidic (Silvestre 58), Ferdinand (Brown 58), Simpson; Martin (Evra 58), Carrick, Gibson (O'Shea 46), Nani (Eagles 58); Rooney (Ronaldo 76), Dong (Smith 62)
Unused subs: Evans, Fletcher

Guangzhou: Shuai; Zhihai (Xichang 74), Dechao (Suozhi 83), Yan, Wenpeng (Zhixing 56), Z Lin (Xianrong 69); Pengfeng (Yong 56), Zhijie (Zhiyi 69), Oliveira, L Lin (Deen 56); Batista (Junyan 56).

Manchester United Asia Tour 3 [ Macau ]

Report: Shenzhen 0 United 6

Pre-season friendly The Macau Stadium

SHENZHEN FC 0

MANCHESTER UNITED 6
Giggs, Rooney, Nani, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Eagles

New signing Nani scored on his debut as United ran riot against Shenzhen FC in a humid Macau Stadium.

The summer signing hit the Reds' third after just 23 minutes in a game that felt more like a practice match than a pre-season showpiece. Shenzhen rarely troubled Unit ed's rearguard and Sir Alex may have preferred a sterner workout. But the Reds did provide plenty of entertainment, including spectacular goals from Wayne Rooney and Chris Eagles.

Only five players who started against FC Seoul last Friday kept their place in Macau, with the manager handing starts to a number of youngsters. Nani operated on the right side of midfield, while Jonny Evans partnered Nemanja Vidic in central defence. Paul Scholes' injury-enforced absence handed Darron Gibson a chance to prove himself in central midfield and he looked lively early on when he combined with Wes Brown to force a corner in the third minute. Cristiano Ronaldo rose highest to head the cross past Shenzhen goalkeeper Jianjia, but the referee had already blown his whistle for a foul.

But the Reds continued to press and duly took the lead after 12 minutes. Rooney collected a curling Darren Fletcher pass inside the area and headed straight for goal. But while everyone expected the England forward to shoot, Rooney squared the ball inside to Ryan Giggs who rolled the ball into an empty net for a deserved lead.

The home side looked comparatively ineffective going forward but could have equalised had the referee spotted Evans' 15th-minute handball as he attempted to block a cross. United took advantage on 20 minutes via another moment of magic from Rooney. This time it was Giggs who provided the splitting pass into the area. Rooney controlled the ball before sending a superbly disguised chip over Jianjia - a sublime piece of skill that called to mind a similar pre-season effort in 2005.

Nani marked his debut with a goal shortly afterwards when he thumped Ryan Giggs' lay-off into the bottom corner. It was a well-taken strike that left the goalkeeper with little chance and prompted the 20-year-old's trademark somersault celebration.

Giggs, now 33, enjoyed a sparkling first half and was involved in all three United goals. The Welshman certainly doesn't look like relinquishing his spot in the side, despite the arrival of Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves over the summer. Giggs made way for Alan Smith at the interval, while the United boss also introduced Tomasz Kuszczak, Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea.

Shenzhen started brightest in the second period, with Ferdinand doing well to block a fierce Marek Zajac shot. But the more numbers the home team committed forward, the more the gaps opened up at the back. O'Shea kept his cool to net on 55 minutes after Ronaldo had drawn two men inside the penalty area, before the Portuguese winger capped a brisk counter-attack shortly afterwards to send the Reds 5-0 up.

It was the last action Ronaldo saw, as Sir Alex made a further four changes. Among them was Chris Eagles, whose impact was felt almost immediately. With the ball bouncing almost 35 yards from goal, the youngster lashed a shot over substitute goalkeeper Lei and under the bar. It was a fine finish and one that rivalled Rooney's first-half gem.

Smith should have made it 7-0 on 75 minutes but the striker almost seemed to have too much time when sent clear of the Shenzhen defence. Of course, it mattered little to the final result, as the Reds coasted to victory in front of yet another capacity Far East crowd.

Team Line-up:

United: van der Sar (Kuszczak, 45), Brown, Vidic (Ferdinand, 45), Evans, Evra (Silvestre, 59), Nani (Carrick, 59), Fletcher, Gibson (O'Shea, 45), Ronaldo (Eagles, 59), Giggs (Smith, 45), Rooney (Dong, 59)

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.