RIO FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE

Rio Ferdinand is confident some hard work in the Far East will ensure Manchester United reach Christmas near the top of the Barclays Premier League tree.

Ferdinand was among a host of big names in a 24-man party that landed in Japan for the start of United's four-match Asia tour.

Although the temperatures in Tokyo are not quite at the sweltering levels of two years ago, the humidity is bound to take its toll when United open their trip against Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama on Tuesday.

But Ferdinand knows the pain will eventually prove worthwhile as Sir Alex Ferguson's men take the first steps towards retaining the title they won so clinically last term.

"The weather sometimes makes it difficult on these trips but it will stand us in good stead for when we come back and start the season," said the England defender.

"It is the pre-season programme that carries you through the whole campaign, especially the demanding periods like Christmas.

"Fingers crossed we get it right. We have every confidence in the staff at the club. They have never got it wrong before so I am sure they won't this year."

With visits to Seoul, Macau and Guangzhou - the latter of which has replaced the scrapped Malaysia leg of the tour - there will be little time for United to relax.

New signings Owen Hargreaves and Nani will get their first experience of the phenomenal interest in the Red Devils in this part of the world, while young defender Jonny Evans, who excelled in Sunderland's promotion campaign, will be given a chance to shine.

Alan Smith has also been handed a place in Ferguson's squad despite continuing speculation over his United career.

The former Leeds star has supposedly been seeking assurances over his position after failing to land a new contract offer.

Reports of a £6million bid from Middlesbrough being accepted for Smith have done little to quell the rumours surrounding his long-term future and with United attempting to push through a deal for Carlos Tevez this week, the England international's time at Old Trafford does appear limited.

But, with Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer injured and Giuseppe Rossi missing out due to his European Under-21 Championship commitments with Italy this summer, Smith found himself alongside Wayne Rooney as one of only two front-line strikers in Ferguson's squad.

Also missing were skipper Gary Neville, Park Ji-sung and Ben Foster through injury, Gerard Pique - whose season with Real Zaragoza in Spain ran until the end of June - Dong Fangzhou - currently on Asia Cup duty with China - plus Anderson and Gabriel Heinze - whose Copa American campaign with Argentina ended in a dismal 3-0 Final defeat to Brazil in Venezuela.

Heinze is reportedly being tracked by Liverpool but United have steadfastly refused to entertain a deal with their north-west rivals, even though Rafael Benitez has met the £6.8million asking price.

Kieran Richardson was another absentee after also featuring in the Under-21 Championships although, with a move to Sunderland pending, he was not expected to be involved anyway.

Taken From =football365=