Ballack ends talk of United switch

BAYERN MUNICH midfielder Michael Ballack has moved to end speculation he could join Manchester United. And Bayern insist United have not made an offer for the Germany captain.

Ballack, 28, whose contract expires next year, said: “I’ll be playing for Bayern until 2006. We’re aiming high, and I want to be a part of it.”

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: “Ballack has a contract until 30 June, 2006. We won’t be letting him go before then.”

Meanwhile United full-back Gary Neville believes the physically-demanding tour of the Far East could help his side hit the ground running when the new Premiership season kicks off next month.

United flew out to Hong Kong yesterday and take on the Hong Kong national side tomorrow, the first of four matches in 10 days as the club tries to build on their already large fanbase in Asia.

Neville is predicting a draining week and a half, but believes the English climate will be a breeze when domestic hostilities resume.

“With the conditions, usually you can’t breathe and Asia is the toughest tour for us football-wise and travelling-wise,” the England defender said.

“But I think it sets you up nicely for the season because if you can play in that heat, when you come back home and play in what we would regard as good conditions to play football, you obviously feel a lot better. So it’s just a matter of getting through it.”

“It’s important that we get results, that we play well, put in good performances and the fitness levels are improving all the time.

“Whilst obviously results aren’t the most important thing it would be nice to start winning early and we can get the momentum going for the season.”

After the game against Hong Kong, United travel to China to face Beijing Hyundai on July 26 before matches against Japanese J League sides Kashima Antlers and Urawa Red Diamonds on July 28 and 30.

Alex Ferguson is pleased with how pre-season has gone so far, his team signing off domestically with a 6-0 win over Peterborough on Tuesday in a testimonial for Barry Fry and will be using the four games coming up to decide on his team for the Champions League qualifier coming up in early August.

“The important thing about that time is to get a shape of the team for the European tie,” the Scot said.

Cristiano Ronaldo is scheduled to link up with the squad today.

The 20-year-old Portugal winger was a notable absentee as the party left yesterday with the club citing “family reasons” for his delayed departure.

Kleberson was among the 24-man squad despite being linked to a move to Spanish club Celta Vigo.

Captain Roy Keane (hamstring) and defender Wes Brown (Achilles) have stayed at home to recover from injury as has Argentinian Gabriel Heinze, who has been told to rest after a hectic 12-month schedule.