Pitch concerns as Man U land in Hong Kong

Manchester United manager David Moyes admitted he is concerned about the pitch in Hong Kong, where his side landed on Saturday on the last leg of their Asia tour.

The Premier League champions play local side Kitchee on Monday at the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium, where the playing surface has been badly affected by several days of torrential rain.

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio on Friday described it as “a killer pitch” while Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas saw key defender Jan Vertonghen taken off on a stretcher on Wednesday after injuring his ankle playing there.

“I do have concerns about the surface but it’s mainly due to the weather and that’s an act of God, so we can’t do anything about that,” Moyes said.

More heavy rain fell on Hong Kong shortly after United’s arrival and showers were forecast for Sunday and Monday.

A stoppage-time goal from new-face Wilfried Zaha saved United from the brink of a humiliating third defeat in their pre-season Asian tour on Friday, drawing 2-2 with the Japanese side Cerezo Osaka.

United’s stint in the region has also seen them play friendlies in Thailand and Australia.

Sunderland take on Manchester City in the final of the Asia Trophy at Hong Kong Stadium later on Saturday, while Spurs play South China.

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