Hong Kong heat, dragon boats add to Manchester United youngsters’ learning curve

Manchester United’s potential stars of tomorrow will broaden their horizons during their visit to Hong Kong this week, according to coach and former player Phil Jones.

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The club’s under-16s are in the city for the Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit, and trained alongside Hong Kong counterparts under blistering skies in Tseung Kwan O on Wednesday ahead of matches at Mong Kok Stadium on Friday and Sunday.

English Premier League winner Jones, who has begun coaching after injury forced his premature retirement two years ago, led parts of the session.

“Coming to places like this, training in the heat and experiencing a different culture, climate and pitches, will add so much to our players’ development,” Jones said. “It’s part of understanding what it’s like to be a footballer, and will hopefully help them have successful careers.”

Along with equipping young prospects for on-field battles, Jones said it was imperative that United managed players’ personal growth. In reality, a number of the 24-player touring party will either forge careers away from the three-time European champions or drift out of the game altogether.

Phil Jones was once tipped to become Manchester United’s “best-ever player”. Photo: Jonathan Wong

“Being a good human being is more important than being a good footballer,” Jones said. “It’s great to have both, but if you’re not a good person, it’s pretty difficult to make it in football.”

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