Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was happy to take the day off yesterday for a round of golf.

He said: "We've got the friendly game against Valencia tonight and the Community Shield coming up, but it was good opportunity to take a little break.

"We weren't doing a great deal today. The lads did a good session yesterday, after three days off following the Bayern Munich tournament.

"Coming back from the Far East you normally need two weeks to fully recover, and it helps if you get back into a good routine.

"So the timing of the Bayern Munich event last week was good for us in terms of our build-up.

"It also meant we could use their training and treatment facilities, which are among the best.

"We made the most of them every day, and our four days there left us in pretty good shape.

"Everyone is looking sharp and eager, so I'm more than happy with the way things have gone during our pre-season."