Manchester United preseason tour round-up

This could be the best thing to happen to you. Instead of you going traveling, the club comes to you. Yes, I’m talking about the Preseason tour. It is that time of the year when the clubs travel to different parts of the world to greet their fans.

Manchester United, the most supported club in the world, preseason tour comes in a packet filled with joy, hope, emotions and once in a lifetime opportunity to meet their stars for many living faraway from Manchester. DHL are the official sponsors for the Manchester United preseason tour 2012. The preseason tour is not only about friendly matches before the power packed season starts, but is also an opportunity for the players to experience different playing conditions, cultures and a chance to meet with their fans across the world. This makes the preseason matches as important as any other.

This year, United traveled across 3 continents and 5 countries. Starting their campaign in South Africa and finishing in Hannover, Germany. Besides South Africa and Hannover, the Red Devils traveled to China, Sweden and Norway as well.

Manchester United FC vs. Amazulu FC

1 (F.Macheda 28′) – 0

The Manchester United DHL 2102 tour got off to a winning start in Durban on 18th July, 2012 as Federico Macheda’s first half strike made all the difference in the scoreline separating the two clubs in action. The match was played in Moses Mabhida stadium. Manchester started with a unlikely squad with no big names on the cards. The match got off to a decent start. With both sides playing an attacking game, it kept the crowd lively. Soon when United got comfortable and took control of the game, Macheda struck a clean blow and powered United with the lead. Unfortunately, that was the only goal of the match. Paul Scholes, with a series of clever passes, took complete charge of the midfield. Apart from the newly promoted players, Berbatov had an excellent game. Shingi Kagawa was brought on towards the fag end of the game. After the final whistle was blown, United turned out to be the better side and deserved to win.

Manchester United vs. Ajax Cape Town

1 (Bebe 90′) – 1 (Van Graan 86′)

The 19 time English Champions continued their campaign on the soil that gave birth to the great Nelson Mandela. They faced another local club Ajax Cape Town. The city of Cape Town, known as the cape of good hope, sprung to life on 21st July, 2012 when the two clubs clashed. Kagawa started for the first time for United. They scored the first goal of the match, but United finally equalized on the 90th minute. The Portuguese winger Bebe fired home in injury time to snatch a 1-1 draw. The star of the match was undoubtedly, Bebe.

Manchester United vs. Shanghai Shenua

1 (S. Kagawa 68′) – 0

After a successful African safari, the Red Devils headed east towards the land of the dragons. The most popular football club in the Shaolin empire, Shaighai Shenua hosted Machester United for a friendly match on 25th July, 2012. With recent big signings like Drogba and Anelka, both were on the bench, the Chinese club had a rough outing altogether. With the only goal of the match coming from the Japanese star Shinji Kagawa, United edged the Shenuas. The Japanese International was nonetheless a hit with the people of Shanghai, who produced a carnival atmosphere. The other new signing, Nick Powell, started for the first time for United. With a minimal effort, Manchester United won the China Cup.

Manchester United vs. Valerenga

0 – 0

Another draw to add to Man Utd’s preseason preparations as the Reds took on Valerenga in Norway. Nemanja Vidic, coming out of injury after 6 months, played for an hour. Both teams had their chances in the game. Certainly, United was the better side of the two, but the local team from Oslo displayed resolute defending skills. The new star, Shingi Kagawa, synced well with the team. The youngsters proved themselves yet again. This has provided Sir Alex Ferguson with options and depth in the squad.

Manchester United vs. FC Barcelona

0 – 0

Barcelona win 2 – 0 on penalties. (Xavi Hernandez, Gerrard Pique)

Manchester United were beaten 2 – 0 by FC Barcelona in a reduced penalty shoot-out (three each), after an hour and a half of stalemate at the Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden on 8th August, 2012. And yet again the Reds failed to score in the pre-season tour. Barcelona domianted the match seeing much of possession as usual. Spanish maestro, Iniesta along with Lionel Messi were a treat to the eyes. Tello, who made it to the main team couple of times last season had an incredible game.

After calming down the Catalan storm, Manhester United came right back into the match with Rooney and Nani attacking from either flanks. A brilliant save from Victor Valdes denied Rooney the goal from the penalty spot seconds before closing for half time. The game ended as a draw after 90 minutes and the match was decided on penalties.

Misses from United stalwart Luiz Nani and Ashley Young and perfect conversion from Xavi and Pique won the game for the Catalans. But United had lots to take away from this game for United. Scholes patrolled the midfield. De Gea started for the 1st time in the tour and had an impressive start with brilliant denying Messi and company. A strong team on the field showed great spirits.

Manchester United vs. Hannover 96

4 ( Chicharito, Rooney-2, Kagawa) – 3 (Artur, Haggui, Abdellaoue)

This was last game of the DHL pre-season tour 2012 outing. The Reds would aim to start hitting the net and pick up the Chevrolet Cup. The AWD Arena was treated to a quick equaliser in the first half. Chicharito equalized Artur Sobiech’s goal. A brilliant shot from Wayne Rooney was saved and it rebounded to Chicharito, who fired home a cheeky goal. United looked formidable with their quick passing, cleaver defending and most importantly, holding the ball. But shortly into the second half, substitutes Karim Haggui and Mohammed Abdellaoue netted fantastic goals. But as they say, United never give up! Wayne Rooney scored an impeccable goal that left Hannover keeper, Zeiler remained rooted to his spot. And when the going got tough, Rooney equalised from a penalty in the 82nd minute. Game on. United 3 – 3 Hannover. And a brilliant set-up from Rooney only to see Kagawa scores a magnificant goal. United 4 – 3 Hannover. United did what they do best. United came from behind to win the Chevrolet cup in a dramatic fashion and end the preseason tour on a high note.