Rio Ferdinand signs autographs for fans at Sydney airport. Photo: Getty Images
Just hours after touching down in Sydney, new Manchester United boss David Moyes declared he wanted a vastly improved showing from his side in Saturday night's clash against the A-League All Stars.
The Red Devils fell to a shock 1-0 defeat against Singha All-Star XI – a side mainly drawn from two local Thai Premier League sides - in Bangkok on Saturday night, getting Moyes's managerial tenure off to a wobbly start.
While the 50-year old knows nothing officially counts until United's first game of the English Premier League starts next month, he wants his players to step up against the A-League All-Stars at ANZ Stadium.
Ryan Giggs of Manchester United is welcomed by fans at Sydney International Airport. Photo: Getty Images
"Every game for Manchester United is important, that's the first thing," he said. "So we'll try and do everything we possibly can to show you how good a football team – and football club – we are."
Moyes felt the humidity in Thailand did little to help his players' chances of winning.
"We want to improve in everything we do. Fitness last night was quite good but it was tested by the conditions," he said. "There was a lot of things we did that was good – we just didn't get the goals to go along with our play. That's what we'll be hoping to add to our game when we play here next Saturday."
Manager David Moyes is seen upon arrival at Sydney International Airport. Photo: Getty Images
It's not Moyes's first visit to Australia, who came here three years previously with Everton for a tour against three A-League sides.
"I'm very pleased to be back. I came here three years ago and you always enjoy the first time but I think you need to come back a second time to really see the sights," he said. "So I'm looking forward to seeing what's around and looking forward to the game especially. It's a big game, a big crowd, and it should be a good night."
Moyes was joined at the welcome press conference by Ryan Giggs, who revealed that a rugby league great had already been in his ear about who to support at this Wednesday's State of Origin decider – a match several United players are planning to attend.
"I'm looking forward to it. I'm a big rugby league fan. I had a great pleasure in spending some time with the Melbourne Storm when they were playing in Leeds for the World Club Championship and spent a bit of time with Billy Slater and Cameron Smith," Giggs said. "But they're obviously Queenslanders, and I've already had a text from Andrew Johns telling me in no uncertain terms who to support on Wednesday. I'm in Sydney, so I'll be supporting NSW I think."
Giggs said he expected the All-Stars to providing a stern challenge for the world's biggest club.
"It's always [a contest]. Obviously pre-season is a tough time for the players, you're just getting your fitness and to play against a quality team – we're looking forward to it," he said. "It will be a full stadium and we're hoping to improve upon last night's performance."
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