SHIELD REACTIONS

“At one point it was 41 degrees on the pitch. The atmosphere
and climate are alien to us. On a day like today I am happy
winning the trophy. It was hard work and not a game you can
take any measurement from. It wasn't a typical Manchester
United-Arsenal game. It is usually more cut and thrust.
There were a few flashpoints, but that's what you expect
when it is Manchester United.”

Man of the match Mikael Silvestre was interviewed by Sky
Sports after the match. He told them that he had enjoyed
playing in the centre of defence:

"I like this position, you have more influence on the game and
at my age I have the confidence to play with someone at the
centre of defence. I'm not often up front to score but it's
good to get that opportunity.

"Everybody suffered with the weather today so it was better to
end with a penalty shoot-out. It's still a pre-season game.
We won the trophy last season right at the end so this game
doesn't matter really.”

He spoke of the summer departures and arrivals:

"It's difficult not to have them around, especially Becks as he
took the free-kicks, now we have to work on it. The new
arrivals are settling in well. We are confident with Tim
Howard, he's really good on his line, so we may have an
advantage with him.

"Every time with United we want to win everything. It's going
to be difficult this time as we have lost big names, but I'm
still confident."