Manchester United beat Seoul 4-0

SEOUL, July 20 (Reuters) Manchester United were convincing 4-0 winners against FC Seoul in a friendly today on the second leg of their promotional tour of Asia.

A sell-out home crowd, many of them were clad in United's colours, saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Chris Eagles, and Patrice Evra score a goal apiece for the Premier League champions.

But the loudest cheers were reserved for injured South Korean player Park Ji-sung, the noise levels rising every time his image flashed across the big screens as he sat on the United bench.

Ronaldo made an early breakthrough for the visitors, scoring on six minutes with a low, powerful shot from outside the penalty box.

Eagles made it 2-0 in the 18th minute after receiving a pass from Ronaldo and firing in from the edge of the box.

United's third goal came just three minutes later courtesy of Rooney, as the England forward went past a Seoul defender and shot in off the hands of the goalkeeper.

The home side failed to test Edwin van der Sar in the first period but stepped up a gear after the break, coming close when a header by Kwak Tae-hwi, from a free kick, went narrowly wide.

But it was United who struck again on the hour when second-half substitute Ryan Giggs advanced into the Seoul penalty box to set up Evra for an easy finish.

United manager Alex Ferguson declared himself ''delighted'' at the reception the club has received and even appeared willing to give North Korea a shot.

He told reporters: ''We consider ourselves a major global brand that is willing to travel anywhere to promote the game.

North Korea is not a problem for me, if and when the occasion arises.'' Seoul coach Senol Gunes said: ''I wish we had been quicker with our heads and with our feet, but in the second half the players worked harder. We had more chances to score.'' United next play matches in China against Shenzhen FC on July 23 and Guangzhou Pharmaceutical on July 27. They began their tour with a 2-2 draw with J-League champions Urawa Reds on Tuesday.

REUTERS BJR RN2055