By David Hobbs
July 23 2005

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has likened Giuseppe Rossi's goal in the 2-0 win against Hong Kong yesterday to a typical Gary Lineker goal. Ferguson also praised his side for the overall performance.

The Scotsman also expressed his delight at the two match-winning youngsters, Rossi and debutant Dong Fangzhuo, who both netted in the second half to secure a victory in the opening game of United's tour of Asia.

"It was a typical goalscorer's goal," commented Ferguson on Rossi's opener. "It bounced off his belly, I think, but he was there to meet it.

"A lot of goalscorers in the game score goals like that; you think of Gary Lineker, that type of player. He's got great potential, the boy."

Edwin van der Sar, Alan Smith and Dong Fangzhuo were singled out for praise by Ferguson also. "We've had Dong for a couple of years now, he's been at Antwerp, as you know, but we hope he develops and progresses,"

"The important thing will be if we can get him into the country with a work permit. You've seen today, as we've known for a while, he's a very useful player with good potential; he's strong with a good head on him and it was a well-taken goal," he added.

"I thought Smith was superb today; he created great spirit within the team, kept encouraging players and cajoling them. In essence, it was a very good performance. I am going to do that [playing in midfield throughout the tour].

"Van der Sar made a good save. He did well and his encouragement and experience at the back is proving very important."

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]