Video: Asia action 2001

If any of the class of 2001 were wondering just how popular United are in Asia, they were left in doubt on arriving in Malaysia for the start of the tour that year.

Weary after their long flight, the Reds touched down in Kuala Lumpur airport to be greeted by something close to mayhem as thousands of fans sought a glimpse of their heroes.

United had brought a strong squad to the Far East; a mixture of Treble-winners from 1999, including David Beckham, who was mobbed everywhere he went, and a couple of world-class newcomers.

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Juan Sebastian Veron both made their bows in the opening match against Malaysia All Stars in front of 100,000 fans at the Bukit Jalil Stadium. And it didn't take long for van Nistelrooy to make an impression, the £19million Dutchman scoring twice in the first half to help United to a 6-0 win in sweltering heat. Beckham, Cole (2) and Chadwick also got on the scoresheet as the Reds lifted the Star Challenge Cup.

An hour's flight took United to Singapore for the second game of the tour – and the goals continued to fly in. After training in front of 10,000 adoring fans, the Reds romped to an 8-1 win over Team