Hong Kong pitch a concern for Moyes

SO KON PO, HONG KONG - JULY 27: A general of the pitch during the Third Place Play-Off match between Tottenham and South China at Hong Kong Stadium on July 27, 2013 in So Kon Po, Hong Kong. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images for FA Premier League)

SO KON PO, HONG KONG - JULY 27: A general of the pitch during the Third Place Play-Off match between Tottenham and South China at Hong Kong Stadium on July 27, 2013 in So Kon Po, Hong Kong. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images for FA Premier League)

Published Jul 27, 2013

Share

Hong Kong – Manchester United manager David Moyes admitted he is concerned about the pitch in Hong Kong, where his side landed 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.

Moyes said: “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.”

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 Barclays Asia Trophy at Hong Kong Stadium later Saturday, while Spurs play South China. – Sapa-AFP

Related Topics: