DOHA: Manchester United’s four-day training camp in Doha came to an end after they held their final training session at Aspire Academy yesterday.
Before leaving Doha last night, the EPL leaders trained for one hour in the morning under the presence of many Manchester United fans.
Robin Van Persie, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick were among those who took part in the training session. England star striker Wayne Rooney, who limped out of training on Wednesday, showed no signs of an injury and took part in yesterday’s session.
The club’s goalkeeping coaches also invited the Aspire football goalkeepers to the training session with Spain’s David De Gea and Denmark’s Anders Lindegaard giving advice.
With coach Sir Alex Ferguson in the UK after British media reported that the 71-year-old were involved in negotiations over the possible transfer of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, assistant coach Mike Phelen led the first-team squad.
Speaking after the final session, Phelen said: “I think the trip has been excellent, the players have all enjoyed themselves, the facilities have been excellent. The weather helps and always puts a smile on peoples faces.”
He added: “Our preparation for the back end of the season has been good out here. We are proud to have been here and very privileged to have worked with Aspire again. The staff have been excellent and the facilities were first class again.”
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic, who has just returned from injury, was in awe of the facilities at Aspire.
The 31-year-old said: “It’s been excellent since we’ve been here, the weather has been nice and the facilities have also been fantastic. The squad have had a fun time, we have really enjoyed it. The training has been great, we can work on the pitches and the facilities have really helped.”
The defender added: “Working in the sun has been a nice change especially with the weather in Manchester at this time of year. We were here three years ago and on both occasions we have had great trips. Thanks to everyone at Aspire”
Ryan Giggs, 39, who watched the on-going Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club on Wednesday, said he was happy with the training camp in Qatar.
He said: “It’s been really enjoyable out here, the weather has been good, the facilities good and also the sun! The training has been a high tempo and I think all of the lads have enjoyed it.”
The Welshman who has represented Manchester United 649 times during his career having joined as a schoolboy in 1990, added: “We hope it will benefit us over the season as the training has been great out here, also the lads have had some down time some relaxing on the beach or watching the Qatar Masters golf, it’s been really good.”
The Peninsula
