Ferguson: Ji-sung Gave Us a Lot of Energy

It was a lively return after a nine-month long absence.

South Korean striker Park Ji-sung (Manchester United), 26, recovered from his injury and made a nice comeback after 270 days away yesterday.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson commended his performance.

Park joined play in exchange for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 57th minute until the end of the match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Thursday.

The South Korean player on Friday ended his long recovery from a knee injury that he got in the game against Blackburn on March 31. Manchester United defeated Sunderland, 4-0.

The victory gave United (14W 3D 2L, 45 points) one more point, to lead Arsenal by one point (13W 5D 1L, 44 points).

Despite no point gains in his attack, Sir Ferguson said, “He came on and got more than half an hour under his belt, so we are all pleased with him. He gave us a lot of energy today and it was good to see.”

As Park made a successful return, he is expected to play in the match against West Ham on December 29 and against Birmingham on January 1.

kimsk@donga.com