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."