Manchester United [Images] manager Alex Ferguson believes new signing Park Ji-sung could emerge as a successor to Old Trafford favourite Ryan Giggs.

Giggs, who has played over 600 games for United, remains a key part of the Premier League club's squad after signing a new two-year deal during the close season.

But Ferguson sees 24-year-old Park, a four million pounds ($7.07 million) signing from PSV Eindhoven, as a potential future alternative to the Wales winger.

United's manager told a news conference on Thursday: "You've got to look at the age of Ryan Giggs at 31.

"You think of Ryan going up and down that left wing for the past 15 years and no player in the premier division has lasted that long and done what he has achieved in that period.

"We have to view that very importantly and I think Ji Sung will give us fantastic energy and speed on either side."

Ferguson believes Park could also swap flanks with Cristiano Ronaldo [Images] but added: "The games he impressed me most with PSV were when he played on the left-hand side and came infield so I will start with him there to begin with and see how he develops.

"But Guus Hiddink said to me that he is improving every day so it's a great option for me. He is quick, has fantastic energy and is good in the air so the options are varied.

"He's a very mobile player and very quick. He has fantastic energy and to get players with that quality with the speed of the game is a real asset."

IMPRESSIVE PARK

Park was watched about 20 times by United representatives last season and clinched a move when impressing Ferguson by helping PSV reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Now at Old Trafford, the South Korean international hopes to go even further in Europe's premier competition.

Park said on Thursday: "I hope I can lead the team to win the Champions League and the Premier League. I am confident that I can play in any position where I am needed.

"A lot of Korean fans believe Manchester United are one of the best teams in the world and they have shown a lot of interest in me signing for the club.

"Of course, there is pressure being with a team like Manchester United and pressure from the fans (in Korea) but I think I can overcome that and perform to expectations."

Ferguson said he will seek cooperation from South Korea coach Jo Bonfrere over leaving Park out of non-competitive internationals.

United's manager also hopes captain Roy Keane (hamstring) and defender Wes Brown (Achilles tendon) will recover from injury to join the squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East when they fly out on July 21.

"They have every chance of going on the tour," he said. "I'm hoping they will be back training next week and therefore if they are fit they will travel.

"At this moment in time it's quite positive and I think we will make a decision on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

United will play in Hong Kong, Beijing [Images] and twice in Tokyo.

"The preparations over the next two weeks are vital in terms of getting match fitness before we play the Champions League (third qualifying round, first leg) game on August 9 or 10.

"The (friendly) games against Clyde, Peterborough and the Far East tour are crucial to everyone's preparation. That's why I'm keen to have Roy and Wes with us."

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