Moyes bites the bullet as United look to end poor pre-season form in Osaka

The Japanese leg of Manchester United's world tour raced on at breakneck speed as David Moyes' squad made the trip from Yokohama to Osaka via bullet train on Wednesday.

United have travelled south west ahead of Friday's friendly match against Cerezo Osaka having lost their second game in three so far on tour against Yokohama F Marinos on Tuesday.

Crowds gathered in Yokohama and Osaka to say goodbye to and welcome the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs, while Moyes looked relaxed despite United's worrying pre-season form.

Managers are always keen to stress that friendlies are more about fitness than results but United know they must gather some momentum between now and the start of the season.

Following Friday's match in Osaka United head to Hong Kong to play Kitchee before facing AIK in Stockholm and Sevilla at Old Trafford for Ferdinand's testimonial.

Moyes faces a baptism of fire as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor with fixtures against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City coming in their opening five games.