Welbeck makes progress

Danny Welbeck is pleased with his performances on United's pre-season tour of the US and Canada, and says it's the result developing as a player mentally just as much as he has done physically or technically.

The 19-year-old forward shone in United's second tour match against Philadelphia Union this week, and he’s hoping his performances will catch Sir Alex Ferguson's eye.

"I’m really pleased with how the tour has gone for me so far and I’m happy with my performances,” Danny told ManUtd.com.

“I’ve got to keep going and continue to get my fitness up. The game in Philadelphia was a good game for us and a good test of our fitness levels. It was quite open at times but we’re pleased to have got the win.

“My main aim is to be part of the first team set-up this season, but I’m happy to go on loan if the manager wants me to. I just want to keep playing games and improving.”

The Longsight-born striker feels his game has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years.

“I feel like I’ve improved a lot over the last couple of years in particular,” he explains. “I’ve learnt so much during that time, particularly the importance of mental strength on and off  the pitch. I want to keep improving and striving to show everyone what I can do.”

Much of that development is rooted in the exposure to playing alongside experienced professionals like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, something Welbeck – like al the other youngsters on the tour – has relished across the Atlantic.

“It’s always good to be away with a few of the older lads because you pick up so much from them every day. You see how they prepare for games, how they rest and how they train.

"The older lads at the club are unbelievable – they have this huge determination to win every single training match, let alone actual games. Just to be around them is a real privilege.”

Smalling hails United welcome

MANCHESTER UNITED new boy ace Chris Smalling has thanked Wes Brown and Jonny Evans for helping him settle in.

Smalling is looking for his second run-out for the club against Philadelphia Union on Wednesday at Lincoln Financial Field.

The former Fulham star played alongside Evans at the back in the 3-1 victory over Celtic on Friday in Toronto.

With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic both absent, the 20-year-old has the chance to make an early impression on manager Sir Alex Ferguson and the coaching staff.

Smalling said: "The tour has been a really enjoyable experience so far. It was great to meet everyone, initially at Carrington.

"I have spent quite a bit of time with Wes and Jonny, my fellow centre-backs.

"And I have also been chatting to a lot of the younger lads. It is just great to get to know everybody and be part of such a great club. I just want to do my best."

Defensive team-mate Wes Brown said: "Chris is a great lad and has fitted in brilliantly.

"He has been training really well — he looks very fit and sharp. I am sure he will be ready and raring to go for the start of the season."

Nani on course to return

After a summer of injury frustration, Nani is relishing the chance to get back to business having recovered from a broken collarbone.

The Portuguese winger was one of United’s most influential performers during the second half of last season and he was looking forward to taking his good form into the World Cup.

Unfortunately, injury prevented him from featuring in South Africa, but he has since made a good recovery and is ready to return to action for the Reds.

“I started full training with the team a couple of days ago and I feel very good now,” he told reporters at a press conference in Philadelphia.

“My fitness is getting better all the time and I hope to be involved in this week’s games [on Wednesday against Philadelphia Union and Sunday against Kansas City Wizards].

“I’m very much enjoying the tour – it’s a great opportunity for me to get a good pre-season under my belt ahead of the new campaign.”

Berbatov is 'the right player'

Sir Alex Ferguson has reiterated his belief that Dimitar Berbatov is the 'right player' for Manchester United.

Since becoming United's club record signing in 2008, the Bulgarian striker's performances have been heavily scrutinised. However, Berbatov shone in the Reds' opening pre-season victory over Celtic, and Sir Alex insists everyone in the United camp is behind him.

"He got man of the match, and I think he deserved that, no question," Sir Alex told MUTV after Saturday's win over the Bhoys. "His performance was excellent. In the second half he produced some fantastic moments.

"It underlines the one great factor - that class he has. You cannot take that away from him, no matter the crticism. It doesn't come from our camp. When we see that we know we have the right player."

As United continue to be linked with a string of new strikers, Sir Alex gave backing to his current roster of front men and conceded that he has an abundance of attacking options for the new season.

"We are happy with the strikers we have got," he said. "You have to decide what is the best combination. Diouf has got different talents to Macheda and Welbeck. He penetrates, he is quick and aggressive. We have really good talent in the striking department with Hernandez also joining us, so that is a good area and a good future for us."

Berba feeling good

Having scored the opening goal and provided a further pair for Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, it's little wonder Dimitar Berbatov was in chipper mood after United's win over Celtic.

The Bulgarian international looked sharp throughout the opening game of the Reds' pre-season campaign, and he is relishing the start of the season proper.

"It's the first game of pre-season, still too early to judge, but it was a good test of our physical form and technical as well," Dimitar told PA Sport. "I enjoyed the whole game. We have started well with a win. We have a lot of games before the season starts so I think we will be fully prepared."

Although Berbatov and his colleagues are eagerly anticipating the 2010/11 campaign, the Bulgarian admits he is enjoying the nomadic experience of United's pre-season tour.

"When the summer comes you don't stop playing, you play with your friends," he said. "But when you come here you play with your team-mates. The season is starting so it's very exciting. You come to new countries, see new people, play different teams and it's very exciting."

Sir Alex: Players raring to go

United's players were relieved to get back in action against Celtic after almost a fortnight of training ground slog, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

In order to build a fitness base to withstand the rigours of a full season, the players tread some hard yards under instruction from the fitness and coaching staff.

Having put his squad through their paces, Sir Alex revealed they were straining at the leash ahead of Friday evening's opening US Tour victory over Neil Lennon's Bhoys.

"We try and get the preparation to a point where they want to want to start playing games," the Boss told his post-match press conference. "There was a little bit of boredom in the training yesterday (Thursday). They had seven days at Carrington, four days in Chicago and they were desperate for a game.

"That is the one thing pre-season brings on: the desire to start playing games. No one likes pre-season. It does not matter how good it is. Nobody enjoys it because it is rough and tough. It is the hard bit of the game. Thankfully we are on that route of playing."

United overcame the Hoops through goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, and Sir Alex was more than satisfied with the stern test his players overcame.

"The first game is one you want to get out of the road because fitness comes into it, as does the time you give to your players," he said. "I thought we were nearly right. I was pleased some of the performances were good.

"There was a period after Celtic scored they got a bit of dominance over us. That was a period we had to get through. The second goal killed the game. It was a fantastic goal too. A marvellous bit of football from Berbatov.

"Celtic were very competitive. That's been the way when we have played them. There is not a lot in it between the two teams because the Scotland-England thing motivates both sets of players. It was never going to be an easy match."

Hernandez can be 'major influence'

Javier Hernandez has already impressed his new coaches and manager with some outstanding displays at the World Cup – prompting Reds assistant boss Mike Phelan to suggest he can have a “major influence” at Old Trafford.

Hernandez will meet up with his new team-mates on the summer tour of America in time for the match against his former club Chivas in Mexico. And Phelan says everyone at United is looking forward to linking up with the 22-year-old.

"We were quietly pleased with what we saw of Javier at the World Cup,” Phelan told ManUtd.com.

“He’s still on a break after being in South Africa with Mexico, but we’d like to get him on board as quick as we can, so he’ll join us in America. Then hopefully he’ll be a major influence on the team.”

Hernandez’s World Cup performances justified United’s move for the young striker, whose two goals - one of them an unerring finish in their second round 3-1 defeat to Argentina – highlighted his abundant potential.

“We did the deal before the World Cup and that has probably helped us a little bit!” added Phelan. “He has only just begun his career with the national team, but already he is a very influential player for Mexico. He’s young, he’s athletic and he’s as keen as mustard. He’ll be a good addition to what we’ve already got.

"We all hope he hits the ground running and adds to what we think is a good blend of youth and experience in our squad. We just hope it all comes together.”

Hernandez isn’t the only new face in the United ranks this summer. Young centre-half Chris Smalling joined from Fulham in a pre-announced deal and has been training with his new colleagues at Carrington this week. He is another player who has impressed Phelan.

“We’d spoken to Chris a few times before he actually joined us,” said Mike. “He knew he was coming to the club so we kept in close contact with him. He’s with us now and looking forward to the challenge.

"A club this big is brand new for him. But given time and with a bit of patience, I’m sure he’ll do well. The tour will help him settle in and get to know everyone.”

Hargreaves to miss tour

Owen Hargreaves has today been ruled out of United's pre-season tour.

Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV: "The bad news is that Owen Hargreaves is back in America seeing the specialist. He won't be ready for the start of the season. I don't know when he'll be back."

The midfielder was sidelined between September 2008 and April 2010 and required surgery on both knees but did return to action at the end of last season. He played 45 minutes for the Reserves before making a brief appearance off the bench in the first-team's final away fixture at Sunderland.

There’s plenty of positive news for United fans, though, with the boss confirming three key men should recover from injury in time to line up for the start of the season.

“Antonio Valencia should be okay and Nani should be ready for the start of the season, too. Michael Owen is doing great – he’s doing all his work in the gymnasium every day. I don’t think he’ll be fit to go to America but he should be ready for the start of the season.”

The boss also revealed Rio Ferdinand faces a battle to be fit for the Reds’ first league test, at home to Newcastle United on Monday 16 August, although admitted it will be a race that’s run close.

“It depends on how his progress is over the next few weeks,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Anderson remains on track to return from a cruciate knee injury in late September.

“He’s doing fine, he’s working hard, but it will be late September.”

Man United are just FABIANO

LUIS FABIANO hopes to play alongside his dream strike partner Wayne Rooney at Manchester United.

Seville want around £40million for the Brazil hitman - who aims to add to his two-goal World Cup tally in tonight's last-16 clash with Chile.

Fabiano revealed: "Premier League football attracts me and the way United play football attracts me.

"You think about being Wayne Rooney's strike partner and that is very attractive for any striker.

"I've made it clear I will not be signing a new contract with Seville.

"At 29, I now need to join a club where I can start challenging for the highest honours. The choice will come down to Manchester United or AC Milan."

Manchester City striker Robinho has hit six goals in Brazil's last five matches against Chile.

He said: "I've always been lucky against them. I hope that's what happens again."

Michael Owen targets US comeback

A hamstring injury sustained in February's Carling Cup final cut short Michael Owen's first season as a United player. Now, after surgery and months of rehabilitation, the striker says he's looking forward to lacing up his boots on United's pre-season tour.

Speaking at the launch of Sky Sports 1&2 on BT Vision, Owen revealed he's nearing full fitness.

"I'll be ready for the start of the season, although I might have to miss one or two pre-season games on the American tour," he said.

That news may come as a blow to fans in Toronto, where United kick off pre-season preparations on 16 July, but supporters in Philadelphia, Kansas City, Houston and Guadalajara (Mexico) will be hopeful of seeing Owen in action.

He's certainly making good progress and has worked hard over summer in order to make a full recovery from an injury that turned out far more serious than first thought.

"Basically, I tore my hamstring. It came apart. I had surgery to tie it back together and at this stage I'm not sprinting but I am kicking balls."

Pair become United players

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez and Chris Smalling are officially United players from today (1 July).

The two new boys initially agreed deals to join the club during the last season, and their contracts are now effective.

United fans have been excited by Chicharito’s promising displays at the 2010 World Cup. The talented striker hit two goals in four games for Mexico, including a superb late effort in his side’s last-16 defeat to Argentina at the weekend.

Chicharito is determined to succeed at Old Trafford. "My expectations are to do the best I can personally, to work, to learn, and to win many trophies," the 22-year-old said when the deal was first announced – to near-universal surprise – in April.

Defender Smalling, who played 18 times for Fulham last season, agreed terms on a four-year deal in January. The 20-year-old will link up with his new team-mates at Carrington next week as those players not involved in the World Cup return to training.

Chicharito will be given some time off after his exploits in South Africa and will meet his new team-mates for the first time during July's trip to the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Reds fans will likely get their first glimpse of the duo during the tour, and Sir Alex has confirmed Chicharito will play some part in the friendly against his former club Chivas.