On tour with... Manchester United: Belly-dancers and bleary-eyed training sessions

Javier Hernandez  wasn’t the only player feeling groggy in training during what has been an eventful few days in New York for Manchester United.

Sources say that Sunday’s workout was some way short of strenuous after the players spent Saturday night enjoying the burlesque show and belly-dancers at nightspot Lavo followed by a trip to Chelsea’s Juliet Supperclub in the early hours.

Only a handful of them did not take advantage of a free pass from Sir Alex Ferguson to go out on their first night in the Big Apple after arriving on an evening flight from Chicago where the Premier League champions had recorded a third straight win on tour.

Cup flows over: United have been allowed to let their hair down in New York

Ferguson did not make it to training the following morning, and the after-effects of their socialising meant that most of his players wished they hadn’t either. It was described as a half-paced session at best, but no doubt the touring party welcomed an opportunity to get out on the town after being cooped up for much of their time in Boston, Seattle and Chicago.

Of course it made for a colourful diary piece in the New York Post which caused a brief stir on Tuesday morning until everyone realised that 30-odd young men going out in one of the greatest cities in the world with their manager’s blessing after a convincing win, four days before their next pre-season game, hardly constituted a scandal.

Nor does watching a bunch of belly dancers or a Moulin Rouge routine register on the scale compared to what footballers often get up to.

Hernandez joined up with the squad here after an extended break following his participation for Mexico in the Gold Cup, but no sooner had Chicharito checked in than he was knocked out by what we are told was an ‘awkward header’.

Party time! Some of the United squad took in a burlesque show in the Big Apple

It has to be a hell of an awkward header to knock someone senseless, but it was enough to warrant genuine concern about Hernandez’s condition and a night in a New Jersey hospital.

His absence was a big blow to the large Mexican contingent who headed for the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday hoping to see their hero play in a game that witnessed his arrival as a United player 12 months ago when he scored on his debut shortly after coming on as a substitute in the 2010 All-Star Game in Houston.

Doctors were actually keen to keep Hernandez in for observation until Friday, but he was released from hospital on Wednesday and was able to watch the match at the team hotel on the Hudson River waterfront in Hoboken, New Jersey, before boarding the flight to Washington DC on Thursday.

Ferguson’s side hardly struggled for goals without him again, winning 4-0 to take their total on this tour to 18 in four games with just two conceded.

The hoopla surrounding the All-Star Game meant United had more high-profile engagements here than any other stop on tour. They included a reception with New York mayor Michael Bloomberg at City Hall and Michael Owen switching on the lights at the Empire State Building.

Don't give up the day job: Hernandez teams up with Nani (top), Evra struts his stuff with Owen (bottom) and the Da Silva brothers take a stroll down the catwalk (below)

The players also modelled clothes at a fashion show in aid of charity at the Cipriani Hotel on Wall Street, while United coaches hosted a soccer clinic for inner city kids in Harlem.

The highlight will be a trip to the White House after United land in the US capital on Thursday, although whether Barack Obama will be able to take time out from resolving America’s crippling $14.3trillion national debt to meet Ferguson and his players remains to be seen.

And United fans thought they had problems with the Glazers and a £475million debt.

MLS All-Stars 0 Manchester United 4: Berba outshines Becks as Reds romp in US

When asked what Sir Alex Ferguson said when he intercepted him on the way to the tunnel halfway through another convincing Manchester United win here in America, David Beckham could not help himself. 'He said he wants to sign me,' grinned the former Old Trafford favourite.

Impossible as it would be, with Beckham now 36-years-old and far too much water having passed under the bridge since his departure in 2003, on this evidence Ferguson could actually do a lot worse.

As the hunt for Paul Scholes's replacement goes on, with no sign of a breakthrough in the bid to sign either Wesley Sneijder or Samir Nasri, Beckham performed the role with aplomb for their opponents from Major League Soccer for 45 minutes at the Red Bull Arena.

On target: Berbatov was in inspired form for United

That was no doubt Ferguson's point when he collared his former charge en route to the dressing-room at half-time with United protecting a rather fortuitous two-goal lead.

He had seen Beckham command the midfield for MLS, dropping deep and driving forward, spraying those crossfield passes from side to side and playing one sublime ball that split United wide open and would have led to a goal for Thierry Henry had the ex-Arsenal man's first touch not allowed Phil Jones to get a foot in.

Beckham twice went close to scoring against his old club in the first half himself, with one swerving effort just wide of Anders Lindegaard's post and another from 30 yards that produced a flying fingertip save from the Denmark goalkeeper. It was vintage stuff in a team that, let's not forget, had never played together before.

Even when his influence faded in the second after the All-Stars' lack of depth was exposed by a string of half-time changes - something that has been the undoing of all four MLS teams United have faced on this tour - he was still their best hope of a goal with one pinpoint cross from the right headed wastefully wide by Nick LaBrocca, and a trademark freekick two minutes from time that nestled in the side-netting when most of a sellout 26,760 crowd in New Jersey thought it had gone in.

Beck in action: United were facing a few familiar faces in New York

It would certainly have been a fitting end to a fine performance from someone who, like Henry, can clearly still perform at the highest level.

'I thought David Beckham did really well for them,' said Ferguson. 'At 36 years of age he still has great energy.

'It was a close game and we got the goals at the right time. The one before half-time put us into a comfortable position. From there, we were never going to lose.'

United went ahead through a wonderful move in the 19th minute. Wayne Rooney played a one-two with Dimitar Berbatov on the edge of the area and then instead of attempting to play the Bulgarian in, delayed for a fraction of the second and squared the ball to Anderson who arrived unmarked to to slot home from 15 yards.

Covering the Park: Ji-sung was another player who netted on a comfortable night for United

As Ferguson pointed out, it was the second goal that put the result beyond doubt on the stroke of half-time. Ashley Young slipped the ball into Ji-Sung Park from the left flank, and the Korean shaped to shoot before turning back inside his marker Sean Franklin and firing across Faryd Mondragon into the far corner.

Having rested new £17.8million goalkeeper David De Gea for Saturday's final game against Barcelona in Washington DC, Ferguson's only half-time change was to replace Lindegaard with Ben Amos although he used all nine of his substitutes in the second half.

Chance to shine: Berbatov was United's main man until he was substituted on the hour

The Premier League champions were further ahead within seven minutes of the restart after Michael Carrick headed Amos's clearance kick infield to Rooney who then lifted the ball first-time into the path of Berbatov. His lob over Mondragon came back off the bar but he held off Geoff Cameron to chest down the rebound and volley in from close-range.

Cameron was involved in United's fourth as well, getting an unfortunate deflection to substitute Danny Welbeck's effort from the edge of the area and helping it into his own net.

All-star cast: Beckham went close with this free-kick and Thierry Henry made an appearance, too

Although a four-goal margin was perhaps harsh on the hosts, it means United have now scored 18 goals and conceded just two to MLS opposition on this tour.

Beckham refuted suggestions that it reflected badly on a league that is only in its 16th season. 'It's not embarrassing at all because you're up against one of the best teams in the world,' he said.

'It was unfortunate going in at 2-0 at half-time because we had some good chances. Man United are a team that perform at the highest level and if you don't take your chances they will capitalise.

'I had many successful years playing under Sir Alex Ferguson. I wouldn't be where I am today without him. He gave me a chance when I was 16. I owe him a lot. To play against a team that is still managed by him is emotional.'

Four star: United strolled to victory, picking up some silverware on the way, too

Hernandez faces race to be fit for start of the season after suffering concussion

Javier Hernandez has been ruled out for two weeks with the after-effects of concussion.

Hernandez was hurt heading a ball awkwardly during training at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.

He is now expected to miss the Community Shield in 10 days' time, and faces a race to be fit for their opening Barclays Premier League match at West Bromwich.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that the Mexico international fell ill after heading the ball awkwardly 'on the top of his head' in training on Tuesday night.

Time off: Hernandez only recently joined United's tour of America after playing for Mexico at the Gold Cup

Doctors initially favoured keeping Hernandez in for observation until Friday but agreed to let him leave on Wednesday after seeing the results of scans.
Hernandez rested at the team hotel while United beat the Major League Soccer All-Stars 4-0 at Red Bull Arena and has been cleared to travel when they fly to Washington DC on Thursday ahead of their final tour game against Barcelona.
He will not be allowed to play for a fortnight, although Ferguson doubted whether Hernandez would have featured in that time anyway as he is eased back to fitness after a long season which ended with Mexico's participation in the Gold Cup and a brief holiday.
'He is back in the hotel,' said Ferguson, after United beat the All-Stars. 'He is in his room and will be out for a couple of weeks.
'He would never have been available for Barcelona anyway because he has just come back from his break after the Gold Cup.
'He will travel with us though, he's okay for that. He got concussion in training and we dealt with that. We took him to hospital, he had a scan, it was all clear.'

Fast start: Javier Hernandez made an instant impression for Manchester United with an excellent debut season

In Hernandez's absence, Dimitar Berbatov took the opportunity to shine, helping to create United's excellent opener before smashing home the third right after half-time.

Both fulfilled the Bulgarian's preferred criteria of 'beautiful goals' and helped break his duck for the tour.

In between, Park Ji-sung scored a fine goal to maintain his impressive recent form.

The South Korean then indicated he would be willing to sign the two-year contract extension Ferguson confirmed in Seattle last week had been offered.

'Why not?' said the midfielder. 'I keep saying I want to stay here for more years to win things with Manchester United. Hopefully one day we will get together.'

Pleased to see you: Wayne Rooney greets David Beckham in New Jersey

United's fourth straight victory on their five-match tour was completed by Danny Welbeck, to leave David Beckham empty-handed against his former club.

'When you don't put chances away against a team like Manchester United, they will capitalise,' said the ex-England skipper.

'I had many successful years playing under Sir Alex Ferguson. I wouldn't be where I am today without him. He gave me a chance when I was 16. I owe him a lot. To play against a team that is still managed by him is emotional.'

While Beckham returns to his day job with LA Galaxy, United will head to Washington on Friday for a meeting with the team that clinically defeated them at Wembley in May.

'It is only pre-season,' cautioned Ferguson. 'I just want the players to go out and enjoy it.'

Little Pea KO drama: Concussed Hernandez goes to hospital after heading ball

Javier Hernandez is being detained in hospital with concussion after the Mexico striker suffered an injury scare on Manchester United’s pre-season tour of America. 

Hernandez was hurt heading a ball awkwardly during training at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, where United play Major League Soccer’s All-Stars in the early hours of Thursday.

Fast start: Javier Hernandez made an instant impression for Manchester United with an excellent debut season

Sources say the 23-year-old complained of feeling unwell in the early hours and was so groggy that he struggled to communicate with United’s medical staff immediately because he was only able to speak Spanish.

He was taken to hospital where his condition improved, but doctors decided to keep him in for observation until Friday with delayed concussion.

Time off: Hernandez only recently joined United's tour of America after playing for Mexico at the Gold Cup

Hernandez only joined United’s tour party at the weekend after playing for Mexico in the Gold Cup, but it now seems unlikely that he will feature in Saturday’s final game against Barcelona in Washington DC. 

A club spokeswoman said: ‘Chicharito sustained a mild concussion during training last night. We have taken all the necessary precautions, which included an overnight stay in hospital. The manager will give further updates in due course.’

Park Ji-sung close to pledging future to United by signing two-year deal

Park Ji-sung is ready to accept Manchester United’s offer of a new two-year deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2014.

The 30-year-old Korean midfielder is entering the final 12 months of his contract, but he said: ‘I have never been thinking about leaving the club. My mind was always on staying.

‘The first talks have taken place. We’ve had some early conversations and hopefully before the season we will get everything sorted out. 

Staying put: Midfielder Ji-Sung Park is set to sign a new two-year deal with Manchester United

‘Everyone would love to play for a club like Manchester United and it’s not often that players want to leave.’

The arrival of new £16million signing Ashley Young from Aston Villa this summer has only increased competition for places in the wide positions, with the England winger deployed in Park’s position out on the left so far on tour.

But Park added: ‘As a United player you know everyone has to fight for places, particularly in the wing positions because of the manager’s rotation. But when you get that opportunity you have to show you deserve to play more. 

No room to breathe: Ashley Young's (centre) summer arrival has increased competition for places at United

‘We have signed new players and they have to get together quickly with the rest of the team, and I’m pretty sure we will be able to do better than last season.’

United fly to Washington on Thursday and are expected to visit the White House during their stay in the US capital.

Meanwhile, the agent of Dimitar Berbatov, Emil Dantchev, insists the 30-year-old Bulgarian will stay with the Premier League champions.

Going nowhere: Dimitar Berbatov (left) is also set to stay despite being left out of the Champions League final

Dantchev said: ‘Berbatov away? There is only one truth: Berbatov is a Manchester United player... and he will not leave before the end of his contract. I repeat: Berbatov will stay at Manchester.’

The striker made 42 appearances for Manchester United last season and scored 22 goals.

Man United's American-based sponsors Aon eyeing long-term deal

One year into their record £80million Manchester United sponsorship deal, it already seems apparent that Aon are set on becoming long-term partners.

Both organisations are coy on the likelihood of a four-year deal being extended, insisting decisions are some way off and would form part of ongoing dialogue anyway.

However, speaking to a number of senior Aon executives over the past three weeks, it has become clear the warm words with which United embraced only the fourth shirt sponsor in their history a couple of years ago are being backed up by action from a commercial department unmatched in the footballing world.

Record deal: Aon sponsor Man United's shirts

United's huge commercial army, so well represented on their present tour of the United States, are about to become the first club to post an annual turnover of £100million, excluding media and matchday revenues.

A fifth of that comes from Aon, the US-based risk management giant that, from 2010, agreed to pay £80million over four years to replace AIG as the name on United's shirts.

It has not taken long for the positive effects of being associated with arguably the world's most famous sporting institution to become clear.

'What we hoped for from the sponsorship is delivering - 100%,' said Aon's chief marketing officer Phil Clement.

'In the same way as it was difficult for people in Los Angeles to understand Hollywood, so it must be hard for people who wake up and see Old Trafford just across the street to feel just what an incredible global phenomenon Manchester United is.

'If you go to Hong Kong, it is bigger than the Beatles. Traffic stops just because United are staying at a certain hotel.

Global phenomenon: Man United are currently on tour in America

'We have a 42-man executive team covering biggest business units around the world. In Korea or Mexico or Ecuador or Brazil, where soccer is so popular, each one of them said "don't tell anyone but I am definitely getting the most out of this".'

But what does United do for Aon? How can a football club that employs 600 people and posted an annual turnover of less than £300million in October 2010 do so much for an organisation that employs one hundred times more staff and whose revenues are counted in the billions?

'We had some very ambitious goals for the company and its awareness and we were scouring the world looking at different ways we might be able to accomplish then because the brand was punching under its weight,' explained Clement.

'We did not set out to do a sports marketing sponsorship but once we evaluated the opportunity with Manchester United, we found it was the best way to achieve our business objectives.'

The rationale was simple. For a 'firm' whose spread was so vast, marketing, as with United's wider approach to a growing number of partnerships, had to be territory-specific.

What appeals to one part of Asia may have no impact in a different area, still less so in Africa, the Americas or Europe. It is cumbersome and expensive, with no guarantee of success.

Marketing opportunity: Wayne Rooney scores his wonder goal against Man City

'In half a century from now, when pictures of the day Manchester United became England's most successful team are published, our name will be on the shirt. It is the same with Wayne Rooney's bicycle kick against Manchester City,' Clement continued.

'For the rest of their lives, kids who are aged between seven and 13 now will see Aon as a big, important company.

'The partnership has unified the firm. We have a common message and a common platform right around the world which creates a pretty strong bond between the firm and a prospective client.'

Aon chief executive Greg Case added: 'Sport has an unbelievably powerful voice. The interest in Manchester United is off the chart.

'But it is not just about doing business, you have to back it up with economic sustainability.

'We have a motto: Country, clients and colleagues.

'You have to service your clients but if you do not help your colleagues, your work in that country will not be sustainable.

'We have 60,000 colleagues. They have to be central for us. Manchester United has helped us reach out to them in a unified way.'

Size matters for Lindegaard as he prepares to challenge de Gea for No 1 spot at Man United 

Anders Lindegaard has admitted he is still getting used to the sheer size of Manchester United.

The Denmark keeper arrived at Old Trafford in the middle of last season, after previous spells with Odense and Norwegian outfit Aalesunds.

But nothing the 27-year-old encountered at either of those two clubs prepared him for his first United tour.

The Red Devils are currently preparing to face the MLS All-Stars in New Jersey today, part of a five-game trip in which Lindegaard has already been granted two outings, against the New England Revolution and the Seattle Sounders.

Chance: Anders Lindegaard is keen to prove himself on United's American tour 

And Lindegaard has been astonished at the reception United have received.

'It takes your breath away,' he said.

'We have had a couple of training sessions over here and there were more spectators there than I experienced during matches in my time in Denmark and Norway. And this is supposed to be a country that doesn't like football. It is amazing.

'When you come somewhere like this, you really see how massive Manchester United is.'

New boy: David De Gea is expected to be United's first choice keeper 

Not that Lindegaard believes there is anything he could have done to prepare himself for the enormity of such a move.

'I don't think you can,' he said.

'It's very difficult to prepare yourself for a move from a small club to a club like Manchester United.

'It is something that is just going to happen and I am glad to say it has been going really well.'

Lindegaard has fully recovered from the knee operation that sidelined him in March and meant that he could not contest for a place on the bench with Tomasz Kuszczak for the Champions League final.

However, with Kuszczak destined for pastures new and Edwin van der Sar retired, it now seems like a straight battle between Lindegaard and David de Gea for the number one slot.

Support: Lindegaard is surprised how many fans Manchester United have in America

De Gea is clearly the favourite and the man Sir Alex Ferguson expects to be choosing for Community Shield clash with 'noisy neighbours' Manchester City at Wembley on August 7.

However, Lindegaard is not willing to give up quite so easily.

'It is not about making the choice difficult for Sir Alex,' he said.

'For me, it's about being number one. That is what it's all about - playing. I enjoy competing and, so far, I feel very good.

'There is big competition in all the spots but, so far, I'm very satisfied with my own performances.

'I think I've played very well so I believe in my chance. If I didn't believe in my chance, how could I expect other people to?

'I'm not scared at all. I am very proud of representing Manchester United.

'It is the biggest dream in my career come true.'