MLS All-Stars vs Man Utd – What to Look Out For

The MLS All-Star game is a confusing thing. Not quite a pre-season friendly, but not quite serious either. Not quite sparkly, but definitely not dull. A win over foreign opposition looks good for Major League Soccer, but can be easily dismissed by said opposition because the players are still yawning and stretching after their summer hibernation.

That’s why recent All-Star wins over Chelsea, Fulham, West Ham and Celtic don’t really mean that MLS is stronger than either the Premier League or the Scottish Premier League. But they do give MLS’ reputation a nice little boost, however temporary, and leave MLS players a little more confident that they can compete with the best. Plus people will watch, so the whole thing is very much worthwhile.

Tonight’s game is no exception. A strong looking MLS All-Star XI (as voted for by media, fans, players and coaches) will take on a semi-strong Man Utd (no Wayne Rooney, roster here) at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Kick off is 7:30 central time, and if you’re in the US it’s on ESPN2. Here are a few things to look out for:

Chicharito: Javier Hernandez had already signed for Man Utd when he scored twice for Mexico in the World Cup. He joined up with the squad yesterday and could very likely make his Man Utd debut in the All-Star game tonight. Expect the Mexico fans in the Houston stadium to give the young man a warm welcome.

Bruce Arena: I always got the feeling that Arena wanted a European club football job, and probably deserved one. Unless Arena moves abroad after his spell with LA Galaxy, facing off against Alex Ferguson on this All-Star game might be the closest he gets.

Landon Donovan: The Landycakes days are over. Landon Donovan has already proven he can handle the Premier League by playing for Everton, and did himself proud in South Africa. Expect a confident Donovan to give Man Utd’s young defenders (Chris Smalling, Ritchie De Laet) a tough time.

Omar Gonzalez: The Galaxy defender will be in the starting XI to face Man Utd. The 21 year-old has been rock solid in MLS and must be thisclose to earning his first cap for the USA. He’s never faced anyone like Dimitar Berbatov before though, so will be fascinating to see how Gonzalez handles the fake-lazy Bulgarian.

Marco Pappa: Because Chicago Fire’s 22 year-old Guatamalan can shoot:

Man Utd Bounce-back: Pre-season for not, I don’t imagine Man Utd’s defeat to Kansas City Wizards went down too well with Alex Ferguson. Expect several of the younger United players to play like their life – or at least their Man Utd careers – depend on the outcome of this game.

- Anything you’ll be looking out for in this game? Please share in the comments.

- Match Preview on Man Utd Offside.

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Category: MLS