New boys play waiting game
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Owen Hargreaves will have to wait a little longer for his United debut after Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed he is struggling to be fit for the Reds' second Asia tour match in Seoul.
Hargreaves has a minor knee problem, while fellow new signing Nani missed the first match due to an ankle injury he picked up during the European U21 Championships last month.
However, Nani is now in contention for a place in Friday's match against FC Seoul. Hargreaves may have to wait for next Monday's match against Shenzhen FC in Macau.
"Owen has a touch of tendonitis in his knee," revealed the United boss. "It is not particularly serious. It happens with a lot of players at the start of the season and maybe he will be okay for the third game.
"Nani picked up an ankle injury during the European Under-21 Championships. It is not long-term but there is no need to rush him back," added the boss earlier this week. But, on Wednesday afternoon, Nani's chances of making Friday's game had improved.
Sir Alex was pleased with his side's display in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with J League side Urawa Red Diamonds. And the Reds' boss says he has already seen enough from his players to give him plenty of confidence ahead of the new campaign.
"I said before the start of last season we were starting off on a journey that could take them a long way," he explained.
"We are hoping for early indicators about the progress of the players and team and we saw further evidence on Tuesday that there is no regression.
"You always look to see whether the enthusiasm is still there, whether the
desire is still there and whether the players are still enjoying their football. I think we saw that they are." -
Come Singapore, the sinseh here belly good wan.
