United concerns over Japan jaunt
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.
Ferguson is keen for his team to become the first British side to win the tournament in its revised format but admitted that the timing represents a burden to the Old Trafford club.
United have had to reschedule Saturday’s encounter with Wigan for later in January and by the time they return from Japan, they could be nine points adrift of the summit.
“We’re delighted to be going to Japan as representatives of England and we want to win it,” Ferguson said.
“No British side has won it in this format so it would be a big thing. It is a handicap to be going there but we’re still delighted to be involved.”
Ferguson’s scepticism was echoed by midfielder Paul Scholes.
“It’s one of those things. We managed to win the European Cup last year and sometimes afterwards you have to do things maybe you don’t want to do.”
If Scholes will head to Japan in somewhat reluctant mood, the trip does give him an opportunity to reach full match sharpness.
His second-half appearance at Tottenham on Saturday was only his third as a substitute since undergoing knee surgery at the end of September, so Thursday’s semi-final in Yokohama and an expected final appearance next Sunday should bring him nearer full fitness.
“I am not far off,” he said. “Maybe I can try for 70, 80 or even 90 minutes in Japan and can come on from that.”
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