English, European, and now World Champions Manchester
United surprised many by fielding a relatively strong line-up
in both the
semi-final and final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The disadvantage of Sir Alex Ferguson offering his first-teamers
lengthy run-outs in Japan was that they might return to England
fatigued and jet-lagged. The wily Scot though is adamant that this
is not the case as today he confirmed on the club's official
website that there are no injuries to report, and his squad are fit
and fresh.
"We've no injury worries," Ferguson confirmed. "Everyone has come
through the trip well.
"We just hope we've got enough time to prepare for Friday's game.
They had yesterday off and looked quite fresh in training
today."
United face Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Friday, and Sir
Alex has ordered his players to turn up and train on Christmas day
as part of their pre-match preparations.
"We're in tomorrow, training, then we go down at night to Stoke,"
he revealed. "We’re training in the morning, and we’re back in
plenty of time to enjoy the family gatherings.
"Of course, the Portuguese and some of the European players
celebrate it the previous night, it’s a different culture. So
you’re not hindered."