Fitness key for Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping his side's intense pre-season programme, beginning in the US, will kickstart their season, Ken Gaunt writes from Philadelphia.

Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping his side's intense pre-season programme, beginning in the US, will kickstart their season, Ken Gaunt writes from Philadelphia.

After the Manchester United manager and his assistant, Carlos Queiroz, had led the squad in another training session in searing humidity here yesterday, he said: "Preparation is vital. [European champions] Greece had perfect preparation. The major countries failed in Portugal and you have to ask why. Was it down to preparation? [Greece] were disciplined, committed and the fittest team in the tournament."

United play Bayern Munich tomorrow and defender Jonathan Spector, 18, could be given a run-out on home soil.