Union faces stiff test in Manchester United friendly

On the day Philadelphia bid farewell to one of its longest tenured athletes in former Flyers' winger Simon Gagne, one of soccer's most tenured superstars - a member of the sport's most recognizable team - has arrived in the City of Brotherly Love.

Paul Scholes, the redheaded midfielder with over 400 appearances spanning a 16-year-career (1994-current) for famed English club Manchester United, spoke to members of the media yesterday in advance of the Red Devils' game against the Union tomorrow, the third stop on the club's five-city North American tour.

This is Man U's third stop in Philadelphia since 2003, when it opened the gates of Lincoln Financial Field with an exhibition against Spanish power Barcelona.

United, in the States since last Monday, held training sessions in Chicago and bested Scottish side Celtic FC, 3-1, Friday in Toronto. After facing the Union tomorrow (7:30 p.m., ESPN2), it will travel to Missouri to play MLS' Kansas City Wizards, culminating with the 2010 MLS All-Star Game in Houston on July 28 (8:30 p.m.).

"We have been in [America], for almost a week now; we've been to Chicago, Toronto and now Philadelphia and we have been working very hard leading up to the season in hot weather as well, which is something we are not used to," said Scholes, in reference to the 90-plus-degree heat that has plagued much of the country. "But it's something that we have to do because it's all part of the preparation for getting ready for the season."

Man U is gearing up for an English Premier, FA Cup and Champions League campaign next month. United finished second in the EPL to rival Chelsea, and it's something months later, Scholes hasn't forgotten.

"Last season was a failure really. We were up [at the top of the standings] for most of the season, and quite frankly, we let the title slip," said Scholes. "So, for this season, we are refreshed and out to win these trophies we know we are capable of winning."

Despite playing an unknown in the Union, the preparation remains the same against a team riding a two-game winning streak to climb out of the dregs of MLS' Eastern Conference standings (4-8-2).

"Obviously, if it was a game during the season, we would be seeing a lot more of them, but we really haven't seen much of this [Union] team," said Scholes. "It's just a friendly. For us, it's about getting our fitness together to start our campaign. But, I am sure the standard is very good over here and I am sure they will be a tough team to rein in."

Scholes doesn't know much about the U.S. caliber, admitting only to viewing "snippets" of MLS - and usually that's only when a David Beckham highlight graces Sky Sports or BBC. However, he did make reference to immense strides the U.S. has taken to become more of a power on the world stage.

"We have a few U.S. players in our league now and they are definitely world class," said Scholes, referring to the likes of Americans Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Stuart Holden and others making an impact on the English soccer scene. "I think, over the years, the U.S. players have definitely gotten better . . . and, as a whole, I think football is on the up over here, definitely."