are promoting the American tour, said:
"Ticket sales have far outstripped the World Cup. The United-
Celtic match in Seattle was sold out within four hours.
"There has been huge interest from former Europeans who now
live in the States but also from families whose children
play soccer here. For them it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance
to see some of the best players in the most popular game on
the planet.
"We know it is a pre-season competition and the players
might not be quite into the groove but professional
sportsmen are all the same. Put them in front of 80,000
people and they want to win."
He is also glad that Beckham has said that he will stay at
United:
"David Beckham is the one soccer player that most people in
the States would instantly recognize. It's more to do with
the fact he is married to a former Spice Girl than his
prowess on the field but that is almost immaterial. Among
the soccer-loving public here, Beckham is on a par with
Ronaldo, so, while we have to remember that it's Manchester
United who are being promoted to play here, it's great news
that he will be coming."