Kagawa and Powell Set for United Tour

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that new signings Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell will join Manchester United on their pre-season tour of South Africa and China.

The duo are two of the few certainties for the tour, with several players set to be rested after Euro 2012 while others, including Ryan Giggs and David de Gea, are set for Olympic action.

Besides those absentees, Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling will not be considered due to injury, and Darren Fletcher has been sidelined long-term with a bowel complaint.

"It's obviously very difficult in a year when we have had a Euro tournament and we also have the Olympics this year,'' said Ferguson. "The final squad hasn't been decided yet but we will be taking the strongest team we have available.

"We are all looking forward to the pre-season tour. I am delighted that our new newest signings, Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell, will be in the travelling squad along with more established players such as Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Ji Sung-Park.''

Ferguson added: "I have always said how important it is to get a good pre-season behind us. We saw the impact a good pre-season had on the start of last year's campaign.''

United have announced a fixture with Barcelona in Gothenburg on August 8, but are still waiting to announce a second fixture for their time in China. It has already been announced that they will play against Didier Drogba's Shanghai Shenhua side in the other fixture in China.

In other news announced by the club. Maurice Watkins has stepped down from the board of Manchester United after 28 years at the club.

Chief executive David Gill said: "Maurice has been a source of calm, measured advice and someone who always has the genuine interests of the club at heart.''

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Northern Ireland international Oliver Norwood has rejected the club's offer of a new contract to join Championship side Huddersfield, signing a three-year deal at the Galpharm Stadium.

Man Utd to Meet Barca Pre-Season

Manchester United will take on familiar foes Barcelona in a money spinning pre-season friendly in Gothenburg to take place on August 8.

The two clubs' recent history has crossed paths on a number of occasions, including the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, as well as a semi-final in 2008.

Both sides should be back to a near full contingent by August, following post-Euro 2012 rest periods for those involved, but Ryan Giggs and David de Gea could be amongst those at the Olympic Games.

Manchester United have already arranged to play Valerenga in Norway on the previous Saturday, with South Africa and China tours also part of their pre-season plans.

Chief executive David Gill said: "Manchester United against Barcelona is one of the top fixtures in world football and we are delighted to work with GotEvent to bring this match to the beautiful city of Gothenburg. We have a large following throughout Scandinavia and it's great that this match will form part of our preparations for the new season.''

The two sides also met on July 30 last year as part of pre-season in Washington DC, with the Red Devils emerging 2-1 winners over their Catalan rivals.

Modric: I Need to Leave Tottenham

Luka Modric has indicated he wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer in search of Champions League football, with widespread reports in England and Spain suggesting the player's agent, Mario Mamic, has met with Real Madrid.

Modric is linked with a move away from White Hart Lane as the likes of Real, Manchester United and Paris-Saint Germain chase his signature. Stories in the English press on Wednesday evening also claiming the playmaker is set to hand in a transfer request, with Spurs requesting a £40 million transfer fee.

Talk of an imminent exit has developed since Spurs missed out on the Champions League due to Chelsea winning last season's competition. Still on holiday following Croatia's Euro 2012 exit, Modric is understood to have told Spurs he wants to move on.

Chelsea spent the whole of last summer chasing Modric but Spurs refused to allow him to leave.

Modric is quoted as saying in Spanish newspaper Marca: "I'm going to play in the Champions League, I want to win that competition. I'm not going to be able to achieve my dream here."

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly poised to snare Hoffenheim midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson in a move which could pave the way for Modric to depart.

Rooney Wants to Banish Disappointment

Wayne Rooney is looking forward to the new campaign with Manchester United and says he aims to make sure the bitter disappointment of losing the title to Manchester City in the dying seconds last season is not repeated.

United led their neighbours by eight points with six games remaining, but lost the title on goal difference as City scored twice in injury time to defeat QPR.

The campaign also saw them crash out of the Champions League early on before being ousted from the Europa League by an inspired Athletic Bilbao, while Premier League setbacks included a 6-1 defeat in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

In an interview given to the official United diary of the 2011-12 season, Rooney said: "I think we all learned a lot.

"There have been a lot of games where you get a feeling afterwards that you never want to have again. Hopefully we can get hold of that feeling and make sure it doesn't happen again.

"Just look at all the young players in the squad - they've played a lot of games, had a lot of ups and downs, and most of them are already getting selected for their national teams.

"That's all going to help them. The next two or three years will be a big test for them, and I'm sure we'll all pull through it."

Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already begun reshaping his squad for next season, bringing in Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund and England Under-19 international Nick Powell from Crewe.

Al-Shabab Cool Owen Talk

Al-Shabab have moved to play down suggestions the UAE Pro League club are on the verge of signing free agent Michael Owen.

Owen, 32, is available on a free transfer after his contract at Manchester United was not renewed this summer, with the striker having made just one Premier League appearance, as a substitute, for the Red Devils last season.

Stoke City have been linked with the former Liverpool striker but on Tuesday Al-Shabab released a statement via Twitter indicating they were in advanced negotiations over a deal.

However, club vice-president Khalid Bu Humaid has told Gulf News: "There have been some talks and his agent is coming to Shabab Club tonight but there is nothing to confirm with regard to him signing or not.

"This is a general talk with no obligations. When someone calls us we listen to what they have to say and see what they have to offer.

"But this part of the world is not the market for Michael Owen anymore. Michael Owen is on the downhill right now. He's not one of our options. He's 32 and he only played a handful of matches last season.

"We'll listen to what his agent has to say and report that back to the coach (Marcos Paqueta), who is currently in Brazil."

Kagawa Won't Wear United No. 7

Kagawa, 23, flew into Manchester on Friday to complete a medical and sign terms on four-year deal at the club, but wants to make his name at Old Trafford before possibly stepping into the iconic shirt worn by the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I've just joined the team and haven't accomplished anything yet," Kagawa told journalists in Japan after his 12-hour return flight. "I want to make a name for myself [at United] on my own terms."

Kagawa added that he had asked for a number "with personal meaning", leading to speculation in the Japanese media that the player could wear the 8, 26, or 29 as he did at Cerezo Osaka, or the 23 shirt he donned at Dortmund.

"The contract was as long as I'd expected from a club [like United]," Kagawa added. "When I was at [Old Trafford], I thought about how incredible it would be if I could score there."

Kagawa follows countrymen Junichi Inamoto, Kazuyuki Toda, Hidetoshi Nakata and Ryo Miyaichi into the Premier League, following two seasons in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, where he scored 21 times in 49 league matches.

Rafael Poised for New United Deal

The Brazilian pair joined United from Fluminense in 2008 and have had differing fortunes in their respective quests to become a first-team regular at Old Trafford.

Rafael has made 45 Premier League starts for the Red Devils and it is suggested he will be rewarded for his development with a new deal that will tie him to the club until 2016.

His agent, Cassiano Pereira, told Estadao ESPN: "Rafael is very happy to stay at Manchester United, who are one of the giants of world football and always play in Europe's biggest competitions.

"Manchester United are the club that opened the door to Europe for him. He is loved, respected and has prestige at the club. We are all very happy that he is renewing his contract."

Fabio, though, has managed just eight league starts and it appears he will be loaned out to QPR next season to build up his first-team experience.

Pereira said: "Fabio is a promising player and he needs to play. Because of that, Alex Ferguson suggested that he be loaned out to get more experience.

"He is a sought-after player because he is still young, and we think that his transfer to QPR was the best decision at the time.

"We received some offers from Germany and Portugal, but he preferred to stay in England to remain in touch with the country's football style and so that he would not have a problem to adapt to it when he returned to United."

Smalling on Road to Recovery

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is optimistic that he will be fit in time for the start of the 2012-13 season.

Smalling, 22, suffered a groin injury in United's 2-0 win over Swansea in the penultimate game of last season and the issue ultimately ruled him out of England's Euro 2012 campaign.

The former Fulham player is progressing well in his recovery, though, and anticipates he will be ready for the beginning of the new term, when the Red Devils will look to reclaim the title off rivals City.

He said: "It wasn't the best time to get injured but I have been cheering on England just like the public. I am doing rehab now and I am feeling good. I am hoping to be back for the start of the season - that is the aim."

Smalling is also eager to wrestle the title from City's grasp, having watched on from the sidelines as their Manchester rivals claimed a dramatic final day success.

He added: "It was heartbreak for all of us, but it is going to drive us on even more. We are going to be driven to make sure we take the title back off City."

Kagawa to Miss Olympic Games

The technical director of the Japanese FA, Hiromi Hara, has handed Manchester United a boost with the news that midfielder Shinji Kagawa will not be included in the country's selection for the Olympic Games.

Kagawa, 23, is eligible for selection, but will instead join up with his new Manchester United team-mates once he has completed his medical examinations and received a work permit.

The decision has been made with Japan's World Cup qualifiers in mind, with the Japanese association hoping to give their star midfielder time to rest and undertake a full pre-season this summer.

Hara confirmed: "Kagawa is one of the leading members of the Japan national senior team and he is almost certainly going to join one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"We came to the conclusion that not giving him enough rest is not good for his future nor our final World Cup qualifiers. I talked to Kagawa directly and told him he would not be chosen.''

David de Gea is set to be part of the Spain squad, while Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling are amongst those eligible for selection in Stuart Pearce's Team GB squad to be named in the first week of July. However, Smalling's participation would depend upon his recovery from the groin injury that ruled him out of Euro 2012.

Ferguson has already negotiated with the Mexico FA to ensure that Javier Hernandez will not be included in their squad for the games, having participated in national team encounters in June.

Park Backs Kagawa to be a Hit

Midfielder Park Ji-Sung has backed Manchester United's latest signing Shinji Kagawa to become the club's next successful import from Asia.

Park forged a solid reputation for himself as a player for the big stage after he signed for Sir Alex Ferguson from PSV Eindhoven back in 2005.

Kagawa has made the move from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund to become the first Japanese player to move Old Trafford, and Park is convinced he will prove a shrewd acquisition.

"I know United have agreed a deal for Kagawa and I'm happy because we're signing a good player,'' Park said at an event hosted by his JS Foundation.

"Manchester United is a huge club and every season we sign new, world-class names. I hope Kagawa shows how good he is next season and I think he will do.''

The club have also secured the signing of promising midfielder Nick Powell from Crewe and Park says he is delighted with the competition for places in the middle of the pitch.

"There is a lot of competition in the squad but it doesn't matter who I'm competing with,'' he added. "We're a team and I just want to concentrate on producing better performances.

"We're starting our pre-season tour next month and those matches will help me to prepare for the new season. As always, when I begin a new season I am determined to improve.''

United Seal Deal for Teenager

Manchester United have announced the signing of Nick Powell from Crewe Alexandra for an undisclosed fee.

Powell, 18, has signed a four-year contract with United after impressing at Crewe, where he was named their Player of the Season, having scored 16 goals in 45 appearances.

A number of sides had been linked with the attacking midfielder, including Arsenal, but the Red Devils have won the race to clinch his signature.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official website: "We have scouted Nick for months now. He is an exceptional talent and has been schooled well at Crewe. I'm delighted he has chosen to come to United. He has a lot to offer and we are all looking forward to working with him."

Powell said: "It really is a dream come true to be signing for Manchester United. I have had a great time at Crewe and I would like to thank them for helping me to develop as a player over the past 13 years.

"I'm excited about continuing my development with Sir Alex and the world-class players in the squad. The thought of making the step up to the Premier League next season is an exciting prospect. I can't wait to get started."

Dortmund Rubbish Lewandowski Link

Borussia Dortmund have poured cold water on reports linking Poland striker Robert Lewandowski with a move to Manchester United.

On the eve of Euro 2012, Poland coach Franciszek Smuda set tongues wagging when making the claim that his key striker was destined for a move to Old Trafford.

Lewandowski did nothing to dampen the flames following the co-hosts' 1-1 draw with Greece when claiming he did not want to discuss the links with United.

Dortmund, though, have waded into the debate by insisting the striker will be back with them at the end of Euro 2012.

"It does not matter if we are to receive bids," Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke told SID.

"I have said for weeks that Robert will be back in training with us after Euro 2012 and his holiday leave. And this is what will happen."

When pressed on the reports from Poland, Watzke said: "I am tired of this speculation. I really don't care what the rumours are in the Polish media. I have a detailed knowledge of media in Poland and therefore I know how I have to classify those reports."

Bilic: Modric Not Fazed by Utd Talk

Slaven Bilic has insisted Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has not been distracted by talk of a move to Manchester United.

Bilic is putting the finishing touches to his side's preparations for the Euro 2012 opener against Ireland on Sunday, but was forced to field questions about his creative force. Reports on Friday suggested United had sealed a deal for the Tottenham man. Bilic has spoken to Modric and the Croatia coach does not envisage it being a problem.

"Don't worry, Luka won't be affected by talk of his future," Bilic is quoted as saying in the Sun. "No way. We talk a lot and Luka always puts his team-mates ahead of his own ambitions.

"He's very responsible, he knows he has to have a great tournament and be on top of his game for us to do what we are aiming to do.

"Talk of his future will only motivate him and boost his confidence. It's also my job to turn that to his advantage, to make sure that extra bit of pressure will drive him and will not be a weight on his shoulders.

"As Croatia manager and a fan, or his older brother, his father or his friend, I want him to be happy.

"When I called him and said he was already with a big club at Tottenham I only wanted to tell him that he shouldn't panic and say to himself: 'I have to leave'. Now it's going to be his and the club's decision."

Bilic has offered words of advice but has no intention of breaking the player's confidence. He said: "He knows what I think and it's a conversation that will stay between me and him."

Kagawa Tipped to Succeed at Man Utd

Shinji Kagawa's Japan team-mates have backed the star forward to shine at Manchester United following his £16 million move from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund.

Kagawa's deal is subject to a medical and working visa, but his compatriots have already begun to talk up the transfer ahead of Japan's World Cup qualifiers against Jordan and Australia. Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi, who spent last season on-loan at Bolton, is thrilled at the prospect of playing against Kagawa in the Premier League.

"Kagawa can keep the ball in the smallest of spaces and is a quick decision-maker," Miyaichi told Kyodo News. "He can play there [Manchester United] for sure. He's Japan's number 10, and I think he'll be able to perform even at a glamorous side like Manchester United.

"It would be great if us Japanese players could bring excitement to the Premier League together. I want to follow his lead. By learning what he is good at, such as playing in small spaces, I would like to become a better player."

Japan and CSKA Moscow forward Keisuke Honda also wished Kagawa well prior to completing his Old Trafford move.

"Shinji deserves to be playing for a top club. He belongs," said Honda. "I hope he does well."

National team skipper Makoto Hasebe, who plays for Wolfsburg in Germany, says Kagawa's transfer demonstrates how far football has progressed in Japan in recent years.

"When I was a child, Japanese players only moved to big clubs in cartoons," he said. "It would be nice if more Japanese kids wanted to be like Shinji."

United Confirm Kagawa Deal

Manchester United have confirmed they have "agreed terms" for the transfer of Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund.

Dortmund midfielder Kagawa, 23, will join United this summer for a fee reportedly in the region of £16 million, subject to a medical and work permit.

It was reported at the end of May that the Red Devils were closing in on the capture of the Japan international after he was scouted by Sir Alex Ferguson.

A statement on United's official website read: "Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with both Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the Club.

"The deal is subject only to the player medical and obtaining a UK work permit. These conditions are anticipated to be completed by the end of June. Further details will be announced in due course."

United defender Rio Ferdinand added on his Twitter account: "Welcome to Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to Man Utd. heres to a succesful time here bro!"

Kagawa signed for Dortmund from Cerezo Osaka in 2010. He lifted the Bundesliga title in his first season at the club before helping them retain the trophy this season and also claim DFB-Pokal glory.

Speaking later on Tuesday, Kagawa told Kyodo News after training with his national team ahead of games against Jordan and Australia: "The transfer is not complete for the time being. I have yet to sign the contract.

"The team and I are fully concentrated on the next two games. It's better if we talk about (the transfer) after those matches. I want to focus on playing well over the next few weeks."

Hazard Considered United

Eden Hazard has revealed he was in "advanced" talks with Manchester United before opting to join Chelsea following discussions with the Blues' owner Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea confirmed the signing of Hazard, 21, from Lille on Monday in a deal reportedly worth around £32 million following months of conjecture over the playmaker's future.

Hazard had been linked with United and their rivals City before he recently revealed he was heading to Stamford Bridge, where he believes he will be rewarded with more playing time.

He told French radio station RMC: "I've always said I wanted to play in England. There was a struggle between Chelsea and United, but according to me Chelsea has the best project," Hazard said.

"I was in advanced contact with both clubs and I spoke to both coaches. I want to be playing in the Champions League every year.

"When they won the Champions League, I told myself: 'Why not Chelsea?' The team is young and I have a better chance to play there.

"At 21, Real Madrid or Barcelona would have been more difficult for me. If I play well enough at Chelsea, I could win my place in the starting team and my priority is to play."

He added: "I spoke with Abramovich, he is very simple and loves football. We were on the same wavelength, he wants to confirm Chelsea's position at the top. Chelsea have made a good investment for me but I did not put any pressure on them."

Vidic Has Opening Day in His Sights

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is hopeful of being fit for the start of the 2012-13 season.

Vidic, 30, has been sidelined since December after damaging knee ligaments which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson recently confirmed he does not expect the Serbian to be ready for the club's pre-season tour, but Vidic is positive about his recovery.

He said in the Sun: "I can now run and do some things on the pitch which is better for me psychologically because for the last four months it's been every day in the gym, which is hard.

"But the worst part is behind me. I can look forward to the second half of the rehabilitation and work more on my fitness. Hopefully, I'll be fit for the big kick-off."

Nani Pondering United Future

Manchester United winger Nani has suggested his future does not necessarily lie at Old Trafford as contract negotiations continue with the club.

Nani, 25, still has two years remaining on his current United deal, although discussions are under way over fresh terms.

The Portugal international has spent five years with the Red Devils since joining from Sporting Lisbon for £25.5 million in 2007, but is now seemingly pondering his next move.

In an interview with Portuguese television station RTP, quoted by the Guardian, Nani said: "I am really happy but I don't know about my future. Now I will study opportunities.

"Football is not only about England or Spain. It is possible to enjoy success in other countries.

"My agent is waiting on news about United. We have presented a counter-offer and now we are waiting on an offer from the club."

I'd Like to Become a Manager, Says Rio

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said he wants to move into coaching or management when his playing career comes to an end.

Ferdinand, 33, believes he would thrive on the responsibility of getting the best out of players and determining tactics.

The centre-back, who was left out of England's Euro 2012 squad, is expecting to be offered a new deal by United and feels he still has a few years of playing at the top level remaining.

But he said he was already looking ahead and that his love of football meant he wanted to remain in the game.

"As the months and years have gone by, I think I have come round to the idea of doing some sort of coaching or being a manager," he added.

'Obviously I love football and all the tactics, but I also think I would like the day-to-day responsibility of cajoling players and bringing the best out of them.

"Man-management is so important these days. I think I would love that side of it. I would like to develop those skills."