United take away win from Far East tour

Beijing Hyundai 0 Manchester United 3

Manchester United succeeded where Real Madrid failed in Beijing by giving the Chinese supporters a night to remember.

In contrast to Real’s badly-received visit last weekend, United had been the perfect guests – at least until Paul Scholes struck twice and Park Ji-sung added another to give Alex Ferguson’s men a deserved win.

It allows the Red Devils to board their flight to Tokyo tomorrow morning in relaxed mood, knowing they have still not conceded a goal in a 100% start to their pre-season campaign, even if there are bigger battles to fight on and off the pitch.

That the Workers’ Stadium was not even half full at kick-off must have been a worry to watching director Bryan Glazer, whose father has invested £790m (€1.14bn) in the club on the basis of their worldwide support.

While it is possible some supporters may have been deterred from attending by Real Madrid’s apathetic attitude, ticket prices were much lower for the visit of United.

The Chinese public are starting to get more discerning in their attitude to visiting teams and there is clearly plenty of work for the Glazers and chief executive David Gill to do if the Red Devils are to make the kind of money the new owner thinks they are capable of.

In Cristiano Ronaldo, though, they do have a new talisman for the enthusiastic Asian supporters to latch on to.

On their last trip to this part of the world, United had a marketing phenomenon in their ranks in David Beckham.

Wayne Rooney might have the ability but it is Ronaldo, with his sublime skills, superb balance and olive skin who has been sprinkled with stardust to follow in Beckham's footsteps.

The Portugal international was a late arrival on tour after being allowed to return home on compassionate grounds last week to visit his ill father.

But he wasted little time in making an impact after his introduction as a half-time substitute, dancing past two defenders on a searing right-wing raid before looping a cross to the far post which dropped perfectly for Park, who nodded home.

The effort effectively sealed the game given Scholes’ earlier efforts and should have allowed them to coast home.

Instead, mindful of the need to impress their hosts, they maintained their competitive edge, an attitude made easier by Beijing’s wholehearted tackling.

Predictably, Ruud van Nistelrooy was one of the victims, his angry reaction to Zhang Shuai’s crude lunge from behind prompting Ferguson to bring him off.

More pleasing to Ferguson’s eye will be the sight of Scholes scoring, especially in such predatory fashion.

His first effort, a glancing near-post header from Darren Fletcher’s cross, was a replica of many seen down the years. His second came courtesy of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s volley which landed at his feet and presented him with the easiest of finishes.

Ferguson decided his midfield inspiration had done enough and took the opportunity to bring on Ronaldo. Sitting in the stands with his marketing hat on, it was just what Bryan Glazer wanted to see.