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Manchester United's players can expect a "crazy" reception when they tour China, according to former midfielder Lou Macari, who starred in the club's pioneering trips to that part of the world in the 1970s and 1980s. Former Celtic manager Macari joined United as a player in 1973 and spent 11 years there, making 400 appearances in all competitions and his feats in the Far East helped build positive relationships for the first time in Asia. He struck the decisive goal for United in a 2-1 win against Hong Kong Rangers in 1975 then scored two more when the club made the trip to play against Bulova, winning 4-2, in 1984. Macari told ESPN FC: "It'll be unbelievable. They'll get a crazy reception. It'll not just be at the games. They won't be able to go out on their own in the way that we did. "I remember being able to go out of the hotel and have a look around but it was not as fanatical as it is these days. "They know all about the players and also the ex-players too. It's the same in America. I remember going over to the U.S. and there would be hundreds outside the hotel, looking for autographs. Unlike in our days as players, the internet and other things have made fans even more knowledgeable." Off the pitch, the China tour has evolved into serious business for the club as they visit a country with more United followers (107 million) than any other in the world. In announcing the tour in March, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward had said: "Manchester United has strong historical links with China and we are very proud of our relationship and of our fans throughout the country." United will travel on Tuesday, play against Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai on Friday, then take on Manchester City in Beijing on Monday before flying back. Forward Memphis Depay has already said that the City match could be "like a home game" for United, showing just how much the club has grown in popularity in that region since those first trips of the '70s and '80s. Macari said: "For us, going away on tour was a bonus. In my time, it was a reward after a long, hard season. It would be viewed as a way to build up fitness. We'd also have time to relax and spend time on the beach. "Unlike these days, there was no real need to go there for merchandising reasons, though. It was more for getting together and bonding, building the team spirit. "For a life experience, it was fantastic. We didn't get to travel as much so we always looked forward to it. These days, the players can go to all these places on their own holidays. They can afford to go the Far East one week and then the U.S. the next week, if they want to." Looking back on the games themselves, the Scotsman added: "The games that we played in were won quite comfortably. I can remember scoring goals over there. The fans over there were enthusiastic about seeing us. "In those days, Bobby Charlton was massive in the Far East. These days, the interest in the club as a whole has grown even bigger."
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