Manchester United have given football fans a glimpse of their skills, with over 20,000 people turning up to Allianz Stadium to cheer the Red Devils in their final training session before they take on the Foxtel A-League All Stars.
Manchester United have given football fans a glimpse of their skills, with over 20,000 people turning up to Allianz Stadium to cheer the Red Devils in their final training session before they take on the Foxtel A-League All Stars.
In what were unprecedented scenes for a training session in Australia, fans were able to see the English Premier League trophy and embrace mascot Fred the Red, before Manchester United Manager David Moyes gave his squad a light session before tomorrow evening's show-piece event.
A sea of red supporters cheered the United players doing their stretchers like Merv Hughes was on the boundary line limbering up. The players then did some running and passing drills before having a mini-game to demonstrate some of their skills.
Striker Robin van Persie, veteran Ryan Giggs and former England captain Rio Ferdinand were all part of the squad that took to the field. While the weather had threatened to dampen proceedings, fortunately the only thing the crowd had to watch out for were the thunderous volleys during shooting practise.
Earlier Manager David Moyes assured the public that all of his players would be a part of tomorrow night-s fixture, with new arrival Robin van Persie set to come off the bench in the second half.
“Because of the numbers, we've not come with a massive amount in the squad. It will mean that everybody will play at some point in the game.
“We'll probably only use Robin in the second half because we've over-trained him this week to make sure we build up his fitness," said Moyes.
Amongst the crowd was passionate Manchester United supporter Matt McCarron who was thrilled at the opportunity to see some of his idols at close quarters.
“They have been a champion team for so long, it-s great to see them out in Australia and it will be interesting to see how David Moyes goes. I don-t think he-ll last quite as long as (Sir Alex) Ferguson but we-ll see,” he said.
Also spotted in the crowd was Western Sydney Wanderers defender Shannon Cole who was excited to see some of the players he grew up idolising.
“I-ve supported Man Utd all my life so I had to be here. Guys like Ryan Giggs are just pure class, so it-s great to see a little of how they go about their business,” he said.
The Manchester United squad left the field to resounding applause, with some players returning to sign autographs for adoring fans. With less than 24-hours to go until kick-off against the Foxtel A-League All Stars these same fans will be hoping they sign-off their Australia tour visit in style tomorrow night.