Holding a press conference in Park Ji-Sung’s home town, Seoul, Sir Alex Ferguson has explained the reasons why Manchester United signed the South Korean midfielder. Fergie is pleased with how Park has developed since joining the club and is pleased to see the great reaction the player has received so far.

“When we were scouting Park at PSV, I went to see him the quarter-finals against Lyon,” said Ferguson. “What we identified was a player with a great understanding of space. When his team had the ball, his movement was clever. We saw a player who could penetrate in the last third of the field and that is why we bought him. Since then he has developed his tactical and technical ability and he has become a very important player for us. He has had a fantastic career with us. When a local lad like Ji-sung has left his country to play for Manchester United and excel at the highest level then it is obvious he will receive adulation at home. He has been the star of the national team for a while too. This is a football nation and when they see Park doing well and then when he comes back, the reaction is understandable.”

Park is a player who doesn’t often get much attention, so it will be good to see how the fans in South Korea respond to him tomorrow. He has certainly become far more capable over the past couple of seasons and whilst that is appreciated by the fans inside Old Trafford, I’m sure the support he’ll get tomorrow will put us to shame!

David Gill answered questions on Park’s future, claiming that talks for a contract extension will begin shortly.

“Those discussions will take place,” said Gill. “We are looking to extend the contract, but there is no timing on it. Sir Alex and his coaches very happy with him and we are looking to extend the deal, but there is no news at the moment. When there is something to announce, we will do so.”

With United keen to extend their fanbase in the Far East, questions will always be asked when we sign a player from this region. Gill wanted to downplay any suggestion that Park was bought for commercial regions.

“Ji was bought for football reasons obviously, but his presence has helped our commercial situation in the country without doubt,” he added.