Strong opponents surprise Fergie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Philadelphia Union were better than he expected after a 1-0 pre-season victory for the Red Devils on Wednesday night.

French winger Gabriel Obertan's 76th minute goal – his first for United – settled a hard-fought friendly at Lincoln Financial Field.

Ferguson had named a strong side with Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes joined by Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Fletcher in the second half.

"You need pre-season games, they are absolutely essential. You need them to get your timing and rhythm and your breathing right," explained Ferguson.

"It was the sort of game we probably needed. The Union were really powerful and aggressive, got to the ball quickly and made it difficult for us. They had a few shots on goal. They were better than I expected.

"We increased the tempo in the second half and did a little better then.

"It was a good game for us. They were very good opponents, I thought they did really well."

Speaking about Obertan, who has made just a handful of first-team appearances since joining from Bordeaux in July 2009, Ferguson added:"Goals always help players of course, and when they are forwards in particular. There is a goal in Gabby, there is no question of that.

"The best aspect of his goal was his run, the timing of his run and the timing of the pass and the weight of the pass. It made it a really good goal. He has taken it well."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email