Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to pay the J-League the respect it deserves by fielding his strongest possible side in Manchester United's Far East tour opener against Urawa Red Diamonds.
United were visitors to Urawa's spectacular Saitama home only two years ago, yet Ferguson feels the J-League has improved since that time.
As champions, Urawa offer the Red Devils probably their toughest test of their four-match trip. And Ferguson is ready to meet it head on.
"It is possible Nani won't play and we have a slight doubt over Owen Hargreaves but other than that I have my strongest squad available and I will field a strong team," outlined the United boss.
"We had a particularly hard game against Urawa two years ago and I am expecting exactly the same this time. I see quite a lot of Japanese football on TV.
"The quality has improved tremendously and hopefully, we can handle it."
Ferguson's team selection is awaited eagerly, particularly in attack, where he must decide whether to hand Alan Smith a starting slot alongside Wayne Rooney or push tour captain Ryan Giggs into a more offensive position.
Should the Red Devils chief opt for the latter choice, it would surely provide Smith with the clearest indication yet his days at Old Trafford are numbered, particularly as Carlos Tevez is expected in Manchester over the next few days for a medical.
Only 43 games from equalling Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time club appearance record, Giggs' own future has been called into question following the summer purchases of Nani and Anderson, who is not in the tour party due to his Copa America commitments with Brazil.
However, the Welshman has seen off many similar challenges to his place in the past. And, as a veteran of all nine previous United Premier League title-winning campaigns, he can only see positives from the present situation.
"The Premiership gets tougher every year and Manchester United cannot afford to stand still," he said.
"Whether the manager signed anyone or not, the challenge is still there.
"You have to perform to your best, otherwise you won't play. That goes for everyone. We are all hopeful of being in the team but the only way to achieve that is by doing well.
"It is great for the team to have so many attacking options.
"The players we have signed in forward positions particularly are young and can make a contribution now and in the future.
"Last year, we showed what a great attacking team we were and now we have these additional options, hopefully we can improve even more."
As champions, Urawa offer the Red Devils probably their toughest test of their four-match trip. And Ferguson is ready to meet it head on.
"It is possible Nani won't play and we have a slight doubt over Owen Hargreaves but other than that I have my strongest squad available and I will field a strong team," outlined the United boss.
"We had a particularly hard game against Urawa two years ago and I am expecting exactly the same this time. I see quite a lot of Japanese football on TV.
"The quality has improved tremendously and hopefully, we can handle it."
Ferguson's team selection is awaited eagerly, particularly in attack, where he must decide whether to hand Alan Smith a starting slot alongside Wayne Rooney or push tour captain Ryan Giggs into a more offensive position.
Should the Red Devils chief opt for the latter choice, it would surely provide Smith with the clearest indication yet his days at Old Trafford are numbered, particularly as Carlos Tevez is expected in Manchester over the next few days for a medical.
Only 43 games from equalling Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time club appearance record, Giggs' own future has been called into question following the summer purchases of Nani and Anderson, who is not in the tour party due to his Copa America commitments with Brazil.
However, the Welshman has seen off many similar challenges to his place in the past. And, as a veteran of all nine previous United Premier League title-winning campaigns, he can only see positives from the present situation.
"The Premiership gets tougher every year and Manchester United cannot afford to stand still," he said.
"Whether the manager signed anyone or not, the challenge is still there.
"You have to perform to your best, otherwise you won't play. That goes for everyone. We are all hopeful of being in the team but the only way to achieve that is by doing well.
"It is great for the team to have so many attacking options.
"The players we have signed in forward positions particularly are young and can make a contribution now and in the future.
"Last year, we showed what a great attacking team we were and now we have these additional options, hopefully we can improve even more."
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