Union v Manchester United

Fans and the media came out for United's practice on Tuesday at PPL Park. Photo by Paul Rudderow.

Can you believe it, the Union and Manchester United will have different approaches to this evening’s friendly? Incredible!

In more plainly obvious news, the Inquirer says that tonight’s match is one more way for Man Utd to extend its world wide reach. In response to the familiar, for American soccer fans, description of the club as the New York Yankees of soccer, the article includes this awesome quote in response from sports marketer Simon Wardle: “Manchester United is what the Yankees wish they were.” Snap!

Sir Alex Ferguson calls the Union “a very competent team with lots of energy in midfield.” He also thinks soccer will be “huge” in the US in the next 10 years. He also has lashed out at the FA for not implementing a winter break.

Nani and van der Sar - just like Rocky!

Man Utd are in town for work but they also have had time to be tourists, doing touristy things such as climb the steps of the Art Museum, just like that Rocky guy.

Wes Brown is enjoying Man Utd’s summer tour. Nani says his fitness is getting better and he hopes to play in tonight’s match. John O’Shea is likely not to play to avoid injury. Darron Gibson has returned home to be with his family following the death of his grandmother but is expected to be back in Philadelphia for tonight’s match.

In other international friendly news, ticket sales are slow for next week’s Inter Milan v Manchester City match in Baltimore.

Union

The Inquirer has a nice profile of Sebastien Le Toux.

Soccer By Ives and Match Fit USA say that the Union doesn’t need a “flashy” designated player because attendance is already good at Union games. Sure. What the fans want, this one anyway, is a player to help the team win games. Did someone say, “Coudet?”

When you open Firefox, do you want your desktop to look like the Union website? Then download this free theme.

Local

United keeper Edwin van der Sar takes time out from practise to have his photo taken with a young fan. Photo by Paul Rudderow.

While most of us will be watching a meaningless friendly tonight, the Harrisburg City Islanders will be playing DC United in the US Open Cup quarterfinals at the SoccerPlex in Maryland. The City Islanders have played MLS teams five times, winning three times. Go get em boys!

WPS

Defending WPS champs Sky Blue FC have fired head coach Pauliina Miettinen and assistant coach Anne Parnila. Assistant coach Rick Stainton has been named head coach. He is the fifth gaffer for the club in less than two years. The team is currently in third place, three points behind Philadelphia Independence.

MLS

USA Today says that there is no guarantee that the success of the US at the World Cup will rub off on MLS. Really? But you promised!

Sounders midfield-whinger Freddie Ljungberg, whose contract expires in November, is “exploring other options.”

Here’s a look at why the numbers don’t add up when it comes to a Ronaldinho move to the MLS.

PSP’s Dan Walsh recently looked back on an earlier post called “Free Landon Donovan!” He’s not alone in his view as this piece from Fox Sports, this from EPL Talk, and this podcast from the Wild World of Sports.

United doing some laps to warm up. Photo by Paul Rudderow.

Jonathan Bornstein, who surprised so many of us by not sucking at the World Cup, talks about his upcoming move to Mexican club Tigres UANL.

US Soccer

The Washington Post says the US needs a new system for college-age players.

Etc.

Tottenham becomes the first EPL club to ban vuvuzelas. and thank goodness for that. Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham United, Sunderland and Birmingham City have joined in banning the obnoxious noisemakers. The Guardian takes a look at other items have been banned from soccer stadiums.

Speaking of Tottenham, the Yankees have denied reports that they are interested in buying the London club.

Gerard Houllier, the guy who was coach of Liverpool before the recently departed Rafael Benitez, has lashed out at Benitez saying that it was his work that led to the clubs Champions League title in 2005. Double snap!

Reports say Maradona will stay on as manager of Argentina, much to the delight of the international football media. Joachim Loew has had is contract as manager of Germany extended to 2012, much to the delight of sweater manufacturers. Cho Kwang-rae has been named manager of South Korea, much to the delight of my pal Heeseung.

The FA Cup was founded on this day in 1871.

Photo of Sir Alex Ferguson by Paul Rudderow