Source: Eurosport
Youth test for United
Manchester United will face a youthful Malaysia XI side in the opening game of the Premier League champions' four-match tour of Asia after coach K.Rajagobal named only four senior players in a 28-man training squad.
Kuala Lumpur Plus defender Norhafiz Zamani Misbah, Kelantan striker Indra Putra Mahayuddin, Kedah right-back V.Thirumugan - who were all part of Malaysia's 2007 Asian Cup squad - and Selangor captain and midfielder Mohd Amri Yahyah are the only senior players included ahead of the meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson's side at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on July 18.
Malaysia are preparing for the 25th South East Asian (SEA) Games in Laos in December and Rajagobal insists the youthful side will gain invaluable exposure against the Champions League finalists.
"I hope everyone understands that the national team's main objective is the Laos SEA Games at the end of this year involving the Under-23 players," said Rajagobal.
"I do not deny the contributions of seniors like Super League top scorer Mohd Nizaruddin Yusof, Mohd Harris Safwan, Premier League top scorer and ace Selangor striker Mohd Safee Sali. It's just that, in the time we have, we have to be focused on our primary objective."
After facing Malaysia, United meet an Indonesia All Star side in Jakarta on July 20, FC Seoul four days later and Hangzhou Greentown on July 26 before returning home for the Premier League opener against newly-promoted Birmingham City at Old Trafford on August 15.
