On Thursday 12th Jul 2012 at Old Trafford, a press conference was called with Sir Alex Ferguson to unveil Manchester United’s new (rainy) summer signings Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell.
Sir Alex Ferguson also confirmed that both Kagawa and Powell will travel with the squad on their first leg of the pre-season tour of South Africa and China.
Ferguson’s quotes for the press conference courtesy of manutd.com:
“We’ve always done well in terms of getting players at the end of season, instead of waiting all summer. In Kagawa’s case, there was a fair bit of negotiating and that kept going for weeks. As for Powell, we knew Dario Gradi [Crewe Alexandra director of football] would help us do the deal quickly.”
“Shinji’s coming to South Africa with us and then to China so I think you’ll be seeing him pretty soon,” said Sir Alex, looking ahead to Monday’s start of the DHL pre-season tour.
“Once he’s adapted and gets to know some football phrases our players will use, he’ll be used to that. He can start the first league game quite easily. I’ve got no problem with that.”
Powell may have to bide his time for a competitive debut but he too will be on the pre-season tour.
“I think in Nick’s case, he’s got a bit of physical development to do, just as we would expect of an 18-year-old. But he’ll be in the first-team squad and train with us every day.”
The England youth international could still make an early impact, however, in keeping with the proud traditions of Manchester United.
“Football throws up opportunities for young players and we play young players all the time,” Sir Alex said.
Press conference video:
