Antonio Valencia will be in good company if he plays his first United game on the pre-season tour. Here are some unofficial 'debuts' previously made in Asia...
1. Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001)
After finally completing a £19m move from PSV Eindhoven a little later than planned due to a serious knee injury in 2000, van Nistelrooy made his long-awaited United bow against Malaysia All-Stars. Two strikes in the first half showed the fans he was well worth the wait, and demonstrated the prowess that was to bag him 150 goals in just over 200 games for the Reds.
2. Fabien Barthez (2001)
Not technically his debut, but the eccentric French stopper made his first and only outfield appearance for the Reds when he came off the bench to play on the left wing against Singapore XI. After the game, Sir Alex admitted, "Fabien's been pestering me for months to play him in an outfield position. He's had his go now, and he'll be heading back in goal."
3. Ji-Sung Park (2005)
The Korean first played for United on his native continent in 2005 and caught the eye with a goal in the second game of the tour against Beijing Hyundai. Four years on, he is still a key part of Sir Alex's side.
4. Edwin van der Sar (2005)
Sir Alex’s long search to find a successor for Peter Schmeichel finally ended in 2005 with the capture of the Dutch number one. Edwin made a good, typically solid start by keeping clean sheets in his first two appearances for the Reds in Asia.
5. Nani (2007)
New-boy Nani lit up the 2007 tour with his direct running, quick feet and two superb strikes. When he later burst onto the Barclays Premier League scene with stunning goals against Spurs and Middlesbrough, MUTV viewers were heard to say, "I told you so…"
