Cole admires Chinese fans

Manchester United ambassador Andy Cole speaks to ManUtd.com about joining the Reds on Tour 2012, delivered to the world by DHL...

United legend and former striker Andy Cole says he admires the club’s Far East fans and insists it’s “important” the Reds continue to visit far-flung countries on pre-season tours.

This year’s summer trip includes matches in South Africa and China (as well as Norway and Sweden), with Cole joining the DHL tour in his role as club ambassador when United touch down in Shanghai.

“I’ve been fortunate to visit the Far East quite a lot in the last 12 months and the appetite for United is getting bigger and bigger,” Cole told ManUtd.com. “It’s phenomenal and I’ve often had to pinch myself and just think, ‘Wow’.

“The sad thing is that the vast majority of all those fans will never make it to Old Trafford to see United play, which is why it’s so important we take the team to them on these pre-season tours.