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LoginPre Season Friendly: Orlando Pirates vs Man Utd - July 22nd
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Giggs eyes Pirates scalp
United winger Ryan Giggs admits winning isn’t everything during pre-season, although he’d love to put one over Orlando Pirates in Durban on Tuesday.
The Reds’ first match in the Vodacom Challenge, against Kaizer Chiefs in Cape Town, ended 1-1 after Chris Eagles cancelled out Jonathan Quartey’s opener.
And although Sir Alex’s side are guaranteed a spot in the competition’s final even if they lose to Orlando Pirates, Giggs would much prefer to get there on merit.
“The results here in South Africa aren’t the be all and end all,” he told MUTV. “Generally, the idea is to get fit and come through the games with no injuries.
“But winning is still important. We didn’t win the tournament last time we were here in 2006 [so we’d like to make up for that]. Besides, you want to get into the habit of winning games as soon as possible.”
The 34-year-old is enjoying his time in South Africa, largely due to the supporters’ hospitality.
“South Africa’s great. The fans are brilliant, just like anywhere else in the world where United go. I’ve experienced it before so I know what to expect, but it’s still special to arrive at the airport at 8am and see fans waiting for you.
“They were dancing and singing and put on a real South African welcome [when we touched down in Cape Town on Friday].
“It’s definitely good to be here and we’ll have some more tough games to play – it will be a real test.”Edited by Dead_Man_Inc 22 Jul `08, 1:45AM
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Rio set for first outing
Rio Ferdinand is in line for his first appearance of the pre-season campaign against Orlando Pirates in Durban after recovering from a back problem.
The 29-year-old defender did not take part in United’s opening summer friendly against Aberdeen and then suffered a back spasm during the warm-up for the first Vodacom Challenge match against Kaizer Chiefs in Cape Town on Saturday.
But the influential centre-back took part in a light training session on Sunday and was involved with the squad’s full work-out in Durban on Monday afternoon.
“Rio trained yesterday,” confirmed Sir Alex. “He wasn’t so stiff, and if he trains well today (Monday) he will certainly start on Tuesday.
“He’s missed two games now and he’ll want to get back into the action. I think it’s important that he starts.”
Sir Alex also confirmed that Rio’s defensive team-mate, Wes Brown, will return to Manchester on Wednesday following the sad news that his half-sister Amanda died at the weekend.Edited by Dead_Man_Inc 22 Jul `08, 1:44AM
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Fergie Satisfied With Orlando Win
The Red Devils triumphed 1-0 thanks to Lee Martin’s first-half strike in another intense encounter as United continue their pre-season tour of South Africa.
It was a decidedly different United side from that which drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend, with the likes of Ben Foster, Fraizer Campbell and Jonny Evans given the opportunity to stake their claim for a spot in the senior squad come the season proper.
Despite the narrowness of the win, Ferguson was pleased with the way his men achieved it, insisting the home side’s pressure contributed greatly to the spectacle.
"I’m satisfied with the result," he told United’s official website. "Some of the football we played in the first half hour was very satisfying: there was a lot of vision, movement and quick passing in our game, and we didn’t dwell on the ball.
"The Pirates were very aggressive in terms of pressing the ball and we had to be quick on it, which can only help us."
However, Sir Alex did admit that the some of his youngsters ran out of puff towards the end of the first half, although Orlando’s forwards failed to capitalise on the resulting concentration lapses.
"After 30 minutes we lost our momentum a little bit, which happens with young players. They start to lose concentration," Ferguson continued.
"Defensively we were caught one or two times on the counter-attack but they had a lot of pace, although they weren't great finishers."
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