MLS ’stars face tough task vs. Man United

Associated Press

HARRISON, N.J.

Having played for some of the world’s best teams, Thierry Henry knows the MLS All Stars will face a daunting task against Manchester United in the league’s annual mid-season classic.

And that’s putting it mildly.

The MLS will be fielding a team at Red Bull Arena that has practiced together for roughly two hours and will be missing Galaxy forward Landon Donovan (groin) and midfielder Bred Shea because of a commitment to represent FC Dallas in a CONCACAF game.

It’s a collection of some past-their-prime stars and young talent against probably the second-best team in the world in Manchester United, the defending Barclays Premier League champions and the runner-up to FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League title game.

For soccer fans in the United States, it a show. It’s not the MLS trying to prove it is as good as Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad.

“It’s nice for the fans,” said Henry, who had his day in the Premier League with Arsenal. “They are going to see some of the best players in the world. We all know we are playing against Man United. It’s going to be a difficult game and we’re going to try to keep the ball, which is not an easy one against them.”

The game will be the fourth for Manchester United on its U.S. tour and Ferguson has not let his squad take its foot off the pedal. The Reds beat New England, 4-1, Seattle, 7-0, and Chicago, 3-1.“As far as preparation, that never changes,” Ferguson said. “You try to improve by the details.”