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United Draw In Friendly Game
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FERGIE HAPPY WITH DRAW

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is optimistic Carlos Tevez will soon arrive at Old Trafford although he shed no new light on the club's protracted attempts to sign the player.

The Argentina star is due to fly into the north-west for a medical which will form the latest stage in the saga to sign him from West Ham.

However, Ferguson is hopeful the situation can soon be resolved.

Ferguson told MUTV: "I hope Carlos Tevez arrives....things are bowling along."

Ferguson was speaking after United drew 2-2 with J-League champions Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama in the first match of their Far East tour.

Second-half strikes from Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to have saved Edwin van der Sar's blushes after the veteran goalkeeper inexplicably gifted Hideki Uchidate a 25th-minute opener.

But former Feyenoord midfielder Shinji Ono finished off a superb solo effort near the end for a draw.

However, the Scot was happy with his team's efforts, saying: "We tired a bit in the second half. Understandable really with the long journey on Monday - 14, 15 hours travel and they found it difficult to sleep on the first night of course.

"They've applied themselves very well I think, and played some good football at times. We managed to give a few of them a good run out tonight so we're happy with that."

United handed opportunities to youngsters Jonny Evans and Daniel Simpson who both came on in the second half.

Ferguson paid tribute saying: "I think they did okay, I think Jonny maybe could have done better with the second goal but the potential of the lad, he is a fantastic young player.

"Young Simpson did really well, his energy up and down the line was good. I'm happy with that."

He also praised Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

"They were excellent. You can see the development of their game, the decision making has been better which is important in young players. We are very pleased with them."


Midfielder Paul Scholes was philosophical United had not won but was pleased with the exercise.

Scholes told MUTV: "We played decent stuff at times.

"We didn't get the win we wanted but at this stage a win is not the most important thing, it's obviously about getting your fitness and getting back to where you were next season."

When asked about what he hoped to achieve next season, the 32-year-old did not hide his ambitions.

"To do the same as we did last year and maybe to win the FA Cup and the Champions League as well," Scholes added. "I think we've got a squad that is capable of having as good a season as last year if not better and if we can do that we will all be happy."

United have added Nani and Anderson to their squad as well as being on the brink of signing Tevez.

The former England midfielder is relishing the challenge that would be provided by the competition for players.

"Players are excited when new players come and especially the quality of players that have come - Nani and Anderson, they are quality players.

"They can only make us better which is what we need.

"With the addition of these three players there is competition all over the place.

"A lot of players who can play in midfield, a lot who can play up front, so there is two or three players for each position which is only healthy for the team."