Edwin excited by Asia visit
-
Edwin van der Sar can't wait to return to the continent of United's recent Club World Cup triumph when the Reds head out on a pre-season tour of Asia.
United were in Japan in December to become the first English team to be named World champions, and van der Sar is looking forward to returning to perform in front of the Reds' loyal Far East fanbase this month.
"The last time we were in Asia was a great occasion because we became world champions and everyone is looking forward to going out there again this week."
Old Trafford is full most weeks with die-hard Reds from closer to home, but Edwin says these summer trips are an opportunity for equally devoted United fans to see the Reds up close.
"It’s a great feeling to see the joy on people’s faces when we’re in Asia," he says.
"The fans are so fanatical and dedicated – some wait outside our hotel all day and night. Many of them don’t get the chance to see us very often so it’s great that we can over there and visit them." -
Asia ready for Reds' arrival
Around 50,000 fans are expected to watch United's first open training session of the 2009 Asia Tour in Malaysia on Friday.
Supporters with special passes will see the Reds being put through their pre-season paces at Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Jalil Stadium from 10:30 BST (17.30 local), though this time is subject to change.
Julian Kam, chief executive of tour organisers ProEvents International Sdn Bhd, said: "We would like to encourage fans to come early, to ensure they get to the stadium on time to catch the training."
United play a Malaysia XI at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 10:30 BST (17.30 local). Fans can still buy tickets by calling the Ticketpro hotline on 03-78807999. Only 15,000 tickets are left, priced at RM58 (GBP11), and the match is expected to be a sell-out. Fans are advised to use public transport.
The Reds fly out to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday afternoon and ManUtd.com will have comprehensive coverage of the tour, starting with the travelling party and the latest pre-season photos of the squad.
The Far East trip also takes in Indonesia (July 20), Korea (July 24) and China (July 26). Read all the latest news and features in our dedicated Asia Tour 2009 section.
-
'Green Soul' set Red goal
It's a pre-season friendly for United and the opportunity to shake off a few cobwebs before the start of the title defence.
But for many of Hangzhou Greentown's players, the game against the Premier League champions this month is the biggest of their careers so far.
The Chinese Super League team, who were only founded in 1999, are looking forward to facing Rooney, Berbatov and co. at the Yellow Dragon Stadium on July 24.
ManUnited.com.cn caught up with the Greentown players at their Zheijang base ahead of the game, the fourth of United's 2009 Asia Tour.
YORDAN VARBANOV, DEFENDER
How did you feel when you heard Greentown would be facing United?
I was honoured and am now really looking forward to facing United. I did not expect to have the chance to play against a world-class team like United when I came to Hangzhou, not having had the opportunity earlier in my career in Bulgaria either.
Which United players do you most admire?
I admire Dimitar Berbatov, because he's a Bulgarian like me, but I also appreciate the defensive qualities of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
And as a defender you may have the chance to face Berbatov...
During the match I will be solely focused on my game, but I hope to speak to Dimi and the other United players after the match.
What's your evaluation of the current Greentown team?
We are a young team of great potential who expect to forge ahead in the Chinese Super League in the near future. And as the team progress, I personally willhave more opportunity to develop.
VALDO, FORWARD
How much are you looking forward to the game against United?
Very much so. It'a rare for us to face a team of the calibre of United, so I will prepare well and hope to score in the game.
Which player would you like to swap shirts with after the game?
It has to be Anderson, my Brazilian compatriot.
What's your prediction of the scoreline?
It is difficult to predict. I only hope it's a great game and that I will be able to score – the result is not important.
JIANG BO, GOALKEEPER
Do you know much about United's players? How do you see the match going?
As a goalkeeper I know all about their strikers, but it's still going to be difficult for us to keep them out. There's a big gap between the two teams, particularly in terms of speed and reaction, but we'll give it our best.
How important are your fans, known as the 'Green Soul'?
They are a great help to us. They are passionate and follow us wherever we go, and are very supportive of our development and progress.
Who would you like to swap shirts with after the game?
If none of my team-mates protest and I complete the full 90 minutes, then certainly Edwin van der Sar, because we are both goalkeepers.
ZHANG YE, FORWARD
You're the only Greentown player to have faced United before, having played for Shenzhen FC in 2007. What do you rememberof that game?
I must admit, I was very nervous the first time, because it felt strange to be playing against a team I had seen so often on TV. There's a big gap in quality between us. But I consider myself very lucky to be able to face them twice. Last time I came up against Darren Fletcher in the game, and hope that experience helps me to produce a better performance this time for Greentown.
Do you follow the English game?
Not many live English matches are broadcast in Hangzhou, but I watch them whenever I can. In the Champions League final, United were on top in the first 10 minutes but couldn't take their chances and Barcelona's first goal put them under a lot of pressure. But it was a high-quality game.
WU WEI CHAO, DEFENDER
What do you hope to gain from the experience of facing United?
My main goal is to learn and improve my game. Although I have faced other top teams in the past while playing in Hong Kong, I appreciate English football very much and we can learn a lot from the skill and spirit of the English league.
You are a full-back – how are you going to stop Rooney and Berbatov if they play?
Rooney and Berbatov are quality attacking players, so I will mark them closely and won’t give them too much space.