Park Ji-sung is bracing himself for an ear-splitting welcome to Seoul in Manchester United colours tonight.

However, a summer break extended due to his international commitments means Park is well short of the fitness required to play a major role in by far the most arduous game United will have on the four-match Far East leg of their pre-season work.

Ferguson has pledged to give Park some time on the pitch though.

“When a local lad like Ji-sung has left his country to play for Manchester United — and not just play but excel at the very highest level — then it's obvious he will receive adulation in his home country,” said Ferguson. “In addition, he has been a star of his national team for some years now.”

Park is about to enter the last year of his contract too.

While it may be incorrect to state the only reason he is at Old Trafford is because of the extraordinary interest in United he can generate in South Korea, the vast number of Red Devils' credit cards in use there cannot be overlooked either.

“When we signed Park Ji-sung it was for footballing reasons,” reflected chief executive David Gill.

“But, without a doubt, it has had an impact on our commercial activity in South Korea. We have one million credit and debit cards here, which is phenomenal and the enthusiasm of the fans is second to none.

“We are looking to extend Park's contract because Alex is very happy with him but there is no timing on it.”