Boss hails Vodacom triumph

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to see his side pick up their first piece of silverware of the season after a convincing 4-0 win in the Vodacom Challenge final in Pretoria.

A fine first half finish from captain Ryan Giggs set the Reds on their way to victory over the Kaizer Chiefs, before further impressive finishes from Wayne Rooney and substitutes Tom Cleverley and Fraizer Campbell ensured United rounded off their visit to South Africa in style.


It was a young side that started the match with Rodrigo Possebon and Craig Cathcart both handed their first senior starts. Cleverley and Campbell were both second half substitues and each ended the day with a goal.

Sir Alex was pleased with his side's overall display and reserved special praise for his young charges.

"The young ones played their part," the boss told MUTV. "Tom Cleverley did very well. He's a nice footballer, a Manchester United-type player who wants to be on the ball all the time.

"Fraizer is always a threat with the pace he has and getting a goal was nice for him.

"I thought Rodrigo and Craig both did well. Craig had one or two little misunderstandings in the first half when the ball was played through. The altitude here means it flies a bit quicker than normal so he had to deal with that a couple of times. But other than that he did very well.

"He, like Rodrigo, used the ball well and I think the lads have got a chance.

"It's always great to win a trophy," added the United manager. "It's a beautiful trophy, although I'm not quite sure how we're going to get it home it's so big!"

The Reds now head to Nigeria for a friendly with Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth side on Sunday night after a productive nine-day stay in South Africa.

"The organisation of everything has been first class," concluded Sir Alex on his way to the airport. "The atmosphere in the stadiums has been terrific - the fans really seemed to have enjoyed themselves. And the games have been played at a high tempo which has brought our fitness up to the right level.

"So there are a lot of plus points and I think there are a lot of positive aspects for South African football."