Fergie: Support shows 'romance of United'

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has said the number of fans of the club at last night's friendly marking the opening of the new Aviva Stadium shows "the romance of United".

The Premier League club romped to a 7-1 win over an Airtricity League XI and Ferguson believes the club's young players are getting an eye-opener at the strength of support for the club at the various friendlies.

Ferguson said: "We go to America, it was incredible the support we had. And then we come to Ireland and it's exactly the same. It's an eye-opener for them.

"For the likes of Chris Smalling and Hernandez, it's a great experience for them.

"It's just one of theses phenomenons. Everywhere we go, the romance of United carries on."