Manchester United completed their tour of South Africa on a low note with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Kaiser Chiefs after a dour goalless draw.
Chinese international Dong Fangzhou wasted four clear opportunities in the first half while Kieron Richardson had two close-range efforts blocked.
United keeper Luke Steele did well to keep out Shaun Bartlett’s header.
With the scores level at 0-0 after extra time, misses from Ben Foster and Chris Eagles sealed the Chiefs’ win.
United were again without many of their first team regulars, among them midfielder Ji-Sun Park, who are still resting up after the World Cup. This has allowed youngsters John Evans, Phil Bardsley, Dong, Giuseppe Rossi, Steele and David Jones to impress.
But few did much to excite Sir Alex Ferguson and striker Rossi ended the tour without a goal when he was substituted in the 59th minute.
United failed to convert their few chances and were punished on penalties as the Chiefs claimed the Vodacom Challenge final in Pretoria.
Even ManUtd player Darren Fletcher expressed disappointment with their performance against the Kaiser Chiefs. Fletcher said that, as seen in the recently held World Cup, penalties are quite important.
The Reds now travel to Johannesburg where they will fly home to link up with many of the first team players for training at Carrington on Monday.
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