Man United unleash 6 young stars on tour

Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa (left) scores a goal against Mainz 05 during the German first division Bundesliga match in Dortmund. (REUTERS)

Published Saturday, July 07, 2012

By Staff

Sir Alex Ferguson has been rather quiet on the transfer front given the hype and hoopla surrounding the goings-on at Arsenal and Manchester City.

One reason may be he trusts his judgement on picking young talent and getting them to deliver.

In less than a fortnight, the Reds will be in South Africa for the start of the six-game DHL Tour 2012, which also includes matches in China, Norway, Sweden and Germany.

Speaking ahead of the tour Sir Alex hinted that youth with continue to drive United forward.

Many of the United players returned to training at Carrington this week and the team will soon be in pre-season action.

“We'll take a few of the young players, too, possibly including the likes of Tyler Blackett, Larnell Cole, Jesse Lingard and Michael Keane," Sir Alex told MUTV.

Ferguson confirmed recent signings Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell will be in the travelling squad, wearing No 25 and No 26 respectively, while Antonio Valencia has been handed the iconic No 7 shirt.

"It'll be important for Shinji, who will be coming on his first tour with us," Sir Alex told MUTV. "He'll get to know players like Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand - the experienced players in the camp.

"Shinji doesn't speak English so he'll have his interpreter with him and hopefully by the time he comes back he'll speak good Scottish,” Sir Alex said, a veiled reference to Fabio Capello’s dig at Rooney only understanding Scottis and therefore unable to deliver at the national level.

"We also have Nick Powell, who is 18, so it'll be a great step up for the boy,” he said.

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