Lacklustre United Held As Campbell Impresses Again

Chris Eagles equalised Quartey's penalty to earn United a 1-1 draw at Kaiser Chiefs.

The European champions missed a host of first-team stars of course and never really got going. Carlos Tevez was lively throughout but Rooney could not repeat the performance he gave at Aberdeen a few days ago.

The midfield missed Michael Carrick as the Scholes-Giggs pair wasn't effective enough and neither flank was particularly dangerous with Eagles and Fletcher both having moderate games.

Still, United dominated but had only a couple of half-chances to show for all their superiority. Tevez got closest with a header that went a yard wide. And then came the shock.

Near the end of the first half, Gary Neville clumsily tripped Quartey inside the area. The referee had no hesitation: he pointed to the spot immediately and Quartey beat Kuszczak with ease to give the Chiefs the lead.

United had much more urgency in their football in the second half and were soon level after some minor opportunities. Once again, Tevez was in the thick of it: his brilliant cross found Eagles whose header deflected off a defender and into the net.

Fergie brought on Danny Simpson instead of O'Shea and Gibson instead of Rooney as United pressed for a winner. It never came despite some promising free-kicks and half-chances. It was after the introduction of Campbell that we really looked like scoring again but even his fantastic pace was not enough to break the dreadlock.

It wasn't such an effective performance as that at Aberdeen and the result is not particularly encouraging, either but there's no reason to worry, of course. After all, it's only a pre-season tour. Gary Neville obviously needs more games under his belt; I think Tevez will have a great season if injuries do not hinder him; Rooney was way too agitated, he was simmering throughout; Campbell definitely has potential.

That's it, for now. We shall of course report from every game played on the tour.

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