United concerns over Japan jaunt

ALEX FERGUSON admits Manchester United’s trip to Japan for the FIFA World Club Cup will be “a handicap” to their Premier League title hopes.

United flew to the Far East last night to take their place in the tournament, which pits the winners of the Champions League with the champions from the various continental federations.

United were at least spared the quarter-final stage of the competition and will instead face Asian champions Gamba Osaka in the semi-finals on Thursday after the Japanese side defeated Adelaide United 1-0 yesterday.