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Manchester United is coming to Asia. Meet the players that are going on tour and follow along as they earn the shirt.
A goalkeeper with great agility and concentration, Ben joined the Manchester United Academy team in July of 2006. Since then he has steadily climbed through the ranks, developing his repertoire of defensive talents to become a world-class goalkeeper. His hard work paid off in the 2008-2009 season when he was selected for United's preseason squad and was picked as a late replacement for Ben Foster in the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup.
Tall and strong, Craig Cathcart is the archetypal center back. The Belfast born footballer was a popular prospect for a number of clubs but decided to follow his boyhood dream to play for the Reds, signing with Manchester United in July of 2005. A recipient of the Jimmy Murphy award, Cathcart is a great defender with the strength and the guts to match. He has great composure on the ball and possesses the ability to bring it out of defense. He has been an unused substitute in four senior games, and looks to make a strong impression should he make the team for United's tour of Asia.
One of England's top goalkeeping prospects, Ben Foster joined Manchester United in 2005 after being scouted by Sir Alex Ferguson himself. Known for his powerful goal kicks and an unshakeable confidence in the box, Foster has patiently and diligently worked to put himself squarely in line for the No. 1 spot. His first team debut earned him high marks from teammates and fans alike as he secured the win in the League Cup final with a huge penalty save against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.
Darron Gibson began his professional career by joining Manchester United in 2004. Dubbed "Gibbo" on the pitch, Darron is the recipient of the prestigious Jimmy Murphy award for his outstanding midfield play. His Premier League debut came in the 2008-2009 season where his composure, physical play, and passing skills helped United in their 2009 Carling Cup bid.
Hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Jonny Evans is part of Manchester United's new crop of young, talented Irish footballers. Tall and agile, Jonny brings an intelligent and physical approach to his position. One of the Premier League's most promising young talents, Jonny has earned the respect of football's best with his ability to read the field and stay cool under pressure.
Frederico Macheda has made quite a splash since being acquired from Lazio. He was named Academy Player of the Year, before moving up to become a regular on Ole Gunnar Solskjær's Reserves. His successes continued as he made the team sheets for both United's Premier League and Champion's League campaigns.
His strength on the ball, positional sense and clinical finishing - not to mention a stunning late goal against Aston Villa followed by another six days later at Sunderland - have all combined to make Macheda one to watch as United storm through Asia this summer.
Brian McClair is United's Academy Manager, a role he assumed in the summer of 2006 after a year spent shadowing former incumbent Les Kershaw. The former striker has also managed the U-19s and the Reserves in two separate spells, latterly taking charge of the second string alongside Jim Ryan for two seasons before handing over the reins to Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
As a player, McClair made 468 appearances in a Manchester United shirt and scored 126 goals. He played alongside such legends as Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes, lifted the FA Cup three times, won the League title four times, and won the League Cup and Cup Winners Cup once each. All of which means McClair has a deep well of experience to draw on as he develops United's young talent.
Though now Reserve Team Manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær is best known as one of Norway and Manchester United's most lethal strikers. Nicknamed "The Babyfaced Assassin", Solskjær found the back of the net 126 times in 366 appearances for the Reds, most memorably scoring a late winner that handed United the 1999 Champions League title.
With his attention now turned to United's crop of reserves, Solskjær will look forward to this Summer's tour of Asia as a chance to see what his young charges are capable of when given the spotlight.
Korean international Park Ji-Sung's tenacity and unmatched energy has made him something of a fan-favorite since arriving at Old Trafford. Nicknamed "the third lung" Park can cover up to 12 kilometers during a match, popping up to score vital goals when United needs them most.
Initially spotted by Guus Hiddink during his tenure as South Korea manager, Park followed him to Dutch side PSV where his selfless play quickly endeared him to the Dutch crowds. Since his move to United, Park has quietly played his way into the side, putting in strong performances and winning hearts in the stands and the dressing room alike.
A modern Fullback in every sense of the word, Rafael Da Silva is one of football's brightest young stars. The Brazilian born defender - along with his twin brother and teammate Fabio - has impressed with a tough, aggressive style of football. His adventurous and electric play makes him a fan favorite when he's on the pitch.
Danny Welbeck joined Manchester United's under-18 side in early 2007. He's known for a smooth, deceptively easygoing style of play that's earned him starring roles on both the Academy and Reserve teams. Capable of playing up front or on the wing, he shows good all-around technique, especially when on the attack. It was these skills that earned him a place in United's 2008 and 2009 Carling Cup championship squads.
Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager in British football history, winning more than 30 trophies during his time in charge of the Reds. Yet despite more than two decades at the United helm he remains focused on increasing that tally, bringing yet more silverware to Old Trafford.
This summer, Sir Alex's attention will turn to the younger members of his squad as Manchester United's tour of Asia gives him a chance to see how they fare against the strongest competition the continent has to offer.