Man Utd 2 - 2 Urama Red Diamonds, disappointing Far East Tour for Reds

Manchester United's Far East tour opened in disappointing fashion as Urawa Red Diamonds the J-League champions, held their Premier League counterparts in Saitama.

Urawa's player, Hideki Uchidate, fired off a speculative shot from 25 metres that wrong-footed Edwin van der Saar goal, and stunned United with the score 1 - 0.

United drew level in the second minute of the second half when Michael Carrick set up Darren Fletcher for a low drive from 10 metres.

After a Rooney cracker that just cleared the bar, United took the lead in the 52nd minute.

Giggs released Ronaldo on the left and the Portuguese player cut in and finished off the move with a crisp, low drive from 20 metres.

But former Feyenoord midfielder Shinji Ono finished off a superb solo effort near the end to earn Reds a draw, no mean feat considering three of their key men are currently aiding Japan's Asian Cup bid.

Ferguson was pleased with the overall display of his team in their first warm-up game of pre-season, telling the club's official website: "We came back well.

"We started the second half with a bit of speed and we did all right. Towards the end of the game the legs went a bit. But some of the players played very well.

"Rooney and Ronaldo were both excellent. You can see the development in their game and the decision-making is getting better. We're very happy with them.

"It was understandable we tired a little in the second half after a long journey. It's 14 or 15 hours' travel so that's difficult.

"The players applied themselves well and played some good football at times. We managed to get quite a few of them a good run-out, so we're happy with that."

Source: SportingLife.com, Football.co.uk

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Man Utd's Richardson join Sunderland

Sunderland have completed the signing of Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson.

The 22-year-old has signed a four-year contract after passing a medical on Monday.

He could now make his Black Cats debut in Wednesday's friendly with Darlington.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane played alongside Richardson during his new acquisition's five years at Old Trafford.

He told the club's website www.safc.com: "I'm delighted that we've been able to bring Kieran to Sunderland.

"Having worked with him in the past I'm well aware of what a good player and a good lad he is.

"He's ready for a fresh challenge and hopefully Sunderland will provide that for him."

Richardson spent 2004-05 on loan at West Brom and was instrumental in Albion's last-gasp escape from top-flight relegation.

Then manager Bryan Robson was keen to retain his services but he opted to stay at Old Trafford, where he failed to play more than a peripheral role over the next two seasons.

That did not stop him earning an England call-up in May 2005 and he scored a brace on his debut against the USA. He has amassed eight caps since.

Richardson added: "It's an exciting move for me.

"I know all about Roy Keane and I'm looking forward to playing for his team.

"Sunderland is a big club and it's a great move for me."

The midfielder is Keane's fourth signing this summer after Greg Halford, Russell Anderson and Michael Chopra.

Source: tribalfootball.com

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