DAVID MOYES ENDURED his first loss as Manchester United boss in Bangkok as they were on the receiving end of a 1-0 scoreline.
The former Everton boss may be without injured, want-away striker Wayne Rooney for the next two weeks but he can call on David de Gea and Robin van Persie for his team’s next friendly, against an A-League selection in Sydney.
Moyes told the club’s website, “The Australian players will be more in full flow than we are, and when United play everybody wants to beat you. The players who have been here for a few years understand that’s part of playing for Manchester United. Every game for United is important.” He added:
I know their qualities – I know Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill from Everton. If you’re picking the best from the A-League then we know it’s going to be a big test for us.
This week is a big part of our preparations. We’re looking forward to a good week’s training and we’ll use the fine facilities to pick up the training and get prepared. Robin will join us here which will help us a lot.”
Moyes contests that, while a win in the preseason, which includes the Community Shield against Wigan, would be welcome, a victory in the league opener against Swansea is his main objective.
He commented, “The objectives are no different from what any Manchester United objectives would be: to win as many trophies as possible. It’s my first season as manager and I’m following probably the finest football manager who ever lived.
I can even win a quarter of what he did I’ll have done very well. The first thing is to settle in and find my way around. The players have been terrific for me.”
State of Origin
Ryan Giggs, speaking at the club’s Sunday press conference near the Sydney Opera House, revealed that he is on friendly terms with Andrew Johns, one of Australia’s leading lights in rugby league. Johns is also friends with Brian O’Driscoll.
The veteran United midfielder spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming State of Origin game between Queensland and New South Wales.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Giggs. “I’m a big rugby league fan. I had the pleasure of spending some time with Melbourne Storm when they were playing in Leeds. I spent some time with Billy Slater and Cameron Smith and I’ve also had a text off Andrew Johns telling me in no uncertain terms who I need to support, so I’ll be supporting New South Wales.”
