The M.E.N.:
ROOKIE Red Jonathan Spector could join Manchester United's senior ranks at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The 18-year-old American is being lined up for his debut at some point against Bayern Munich on his home patch as the Reds kick off their three-match Champions World Series tour.
Spector could take the Darren Fletcher route to senior status as the young Scot made his breakthrough last summer in the States.
It's an emotional kick-start to life with the Old Trafford seniors for the one-time Chicago Sockers teenage defender. The Reds HQ at the start of this trip and for part of next week has been Philadelphia where Spector's father was born.
His mother is German and, of course, his Reds debut could come against Bayern!
A quote from the lad himself:
"It was a great experience (being in the squad against Blackburn in May). It didn't really hit me at first but once I had put on the jersey and gone out onto the pitch it was a great feeling. I just tried to stay focused," recalled Jonathan.
"I've travelled with the team before, but never made the bench. I didn't feel out of place either as all the guys are pretty down to earth and they talked to me and made me feel comfortable.
"Can I make it in the first team? I wouldn't be here unless I thought I could make it. If you don't have that mentality then you have no chance. Players like Wes Brown have started as full-backs to gain experience and I would be happy to play anywhere.
"The manager will know what's best for me."
SAF: "We are all looking forward to seeing Alan play. In training he has been very impressive.
"For the last five years he has been a magnificent performer for Leeds. So he brings that experience and consistency of performance to Manchester United. Hopefully by coming to us he will keep on improving.
"It is exciting signing someone as young as Alan Smith, knowing that he has fantastic potential."