Manchester United started a six-game preseason world tour with a 1-0 win over AmaZulu before a capacity 50,000 crowd at Moses Mabhida Stadium Wednesday.

Federico Macheda scored the winner midway through the first half for the Red Devils, who came closest to increasing their lead just before time when another Italian, substitute Davide Petrucci, rattled the crossbar.

It was a closer match than anticipated, with many South Africans believing mid-table Premiership side AmaZulu would be swept aside by the former European champions, even though they lacked many first choices like Wayne Rooney.

Political icon Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, was remembered before the kick-off with the teams wishing him a happy 94th birthday in song.

"My players tired during the second half, which was quite even," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. "I'm happy with the result, and it was nice to give Nelson Mandela a birthday present of a United victory.

"I gave a few young players a chance tonight and we have high hopes for two or three of them. Jesse Lingard has got a lot of potential and Scott Wootton impressed in the heart of the defense."

United left new signing Shinji Kagawa from Japan on the bench as it started with a mix of experienced stars like captain Rio Ferdinand and youngsters Robbie Brady, Frederic Veseli, Wootton and Lingard.

The Red Devils were quick into their stride on a clear mid-winter evening in the Indian Ocean city and could have taken the lead inside two minutes had Javier Hernandez been sharper.

Goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini failed to grasp a close-range Macheda shot and the ball fell invitingly for the Mexican in front of goal, but he failed to connect and the South Africans hastily cleared.

(China Daily 07/20/2012 page23)