Preview: Urawa Reds vs Manchester United
Posted by Red Devil on July 17, 2007
Preview:
United start their Far East pre season with kick off against the Japanese champions Urawa Reds in Tokyo. The United faithful have to wait for some more time to see their new signings in action as Nani and Hargreaves are still carrying minor knocks and Anderson is yet to join the squad. Sir Alex has stated that he plans to field a strong team, who have to get the required mileage before the season kicks off.
Youngsters Evans and Eagles might get a decent run too (probably as 60th minute substitutes), as they are being considered the replacements for Heinze (who might leave OT soon) and Park (who is out till January/March). Although there is Fletcher ahead of Eagles to be deployed on the wing when required, I hope Evans is groomed as a substitute to Evra as the thought of playing Silvestre sends a chill down the spine. In the striking department Smith is the only recognised striker alongside Wayne Rooney as Rossi is taking a extended holiday, Dong is on international duty, Saha and Ole recovering from injuries.
Kick off time: Tuesday 17th 2007, 11:05 BST
Venue: Urawa Reds Diamonds, Tokyo
Prediction: 3-1 to United.
Player to watch out: Shinji Ono, known as Tensai (Japanese for Genius) is a skillful midfielder and is a big hope of Japan. He has European experience behind him when he played for Feyenoord and was a fan favourite. He can play any position in the midfield and is a constant menace to the defenders.
United squad from: Van der Sar, Kuszcak, Heaton; Evra, Ferdinand, Brown, Vidic, Silvestre, O’Shea, J.Evans, Bardsley, Simpson, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs (c), Ronaldo, Fletcher, Hargreaves, Nani, Eagles, Gibson, Martin, Rooney, Smith.
Injury news: Hargreaves and Nani have minor knocks and might not be fielded.
