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Jonathan Powell

Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney said he is excited about making his debut on Chinese soil when his English Premier League side face the SAR team at Hong Kong Stadium on July 23.

Fans are in for a treat as United's superstars parade their skills during their club's Asian tour this summer, which is a warm-up  for the 2005/2006 season.

'The games in July will be amazing. Some of my teammates have told me what it was like playing in Japan during the World Cup,' Rooney said recently.

The striker offered some advice to aspiring Hong Kong players.

'I've always loved playing football. Since I was very young, I've always practised and worked hard at my

game. I'd advise anyone who wants to be a footballer to do the same,' he said.

'I look around me in training, and when I'm playing with England, I see really experienced players who still practise all the time. They've taught me that to be the best, you've always got to be prepared to learn more.'

While fans will be able to watch the extraordinary skills of the English teenager, the United line-up includes  established stars such as Welsh winger Ryan Giggs, Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy, dazzling Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo and world-class centre-back, Rio Ferdinand. And United's new signing - Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van de Sar - will make his debut for the club during the tour.

Mainland striker Dong Fangzhuo  could become the first Chinese  to play for the Red Devils.

Dong, 20, has spent the past 17 months on loan to Royal Antwerp in the Belgian league, and is regarded as one of China's brightest talents.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said the team were excited about visiting Hong Kong.

'We want to make it a match to remember,' he said. 'The players are looking forward to the trip and it will be a grand occasion for everyone.'



Man U's Rooney keen to play in Hong Kong