United head to America without a host of stars

Manchester United jetted off to America for their pre-season tour on Monday with a host of star names missing from Alex Ferguson’s squad.

Ferguson is without club captain Gary Neville due to a calf problem, while Rio Ferdinand is still sidelined with the knee injury he suffered just before the World Cup.

Michael Owen is unavailable as he recovers from a hamstring injury and midfielders Antonio Valencia and Anderson are also ruled out with ankle and knee problems respectively.

Owen Hargreaves, who has been hampered by a series of knee problems and will miss the start of the season after suffering a new injury setback, completes the list of Ferguson’s walking wounded.

Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Nemanja Vidic are left at home to recover after playing in the World Cup.

However, United fans in America will get a first glimpse of new signings Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez.

Smalling has completed his move to Old Trafford from Fulham after orginally agreeing the 10 million pounds transfer last season.

Mexican striker Hernandez will feature later in the tour against his former club Chivas after being granted time off after the World Cup.

Portugal forward Nani is also available despite missing the World Cup due to a broken collarbone.

United play Celtic in Toronto on Friday before taking on Philadelphia Union at Lincoln Financial Field on July 21, the Kansas City Wizards at Arrowhead Stadium on July 25 and the MLS All-Stars in Houston on July 28.

They then travel to Guadalajara to play Chivas and United midfielder Darren Fletcher is looking forward to the experience.

“It’s a great tour in America,” Fletcher told MUTV. “We’ve not been there in a while. And although three weeks is going to be a long time to be away, there’ll be some good games.

“Personally, playing against Celtic will be interesting as I’ll be up against a few of my Scottish team-mates. But I’m looking forward to it all really.

“Pre-season is important business in terms of getting fit for the start of the season, but there will be some time for relaxation, which the lads will enjoy.

“There won’t be thousands of fans outside the hotel so maybe the lads will be able to get into the cities and wander about and take in a few sights.”