Soccer: All-Stars want more football powerhouses

Manchester United players warm up in front of a 22,000 strong crowd during training in Sydney, Australia, Friday, July 19, 2013. Photo / AP.

The A-League stars thumped by Manchester United hope the visit by the English giants is just the start of annual visits by world football's superpowers.

The A-League All-Stars were given a footballing lesson by the Premier League champions, but the 5-1 hiding at a sold-out ANZ Stadium on Saturday did little to quell the enthusiasm of those involved in the match.

All-Stars defender Michael Beauchamp said the sell-out crowd was proof enough that there was a thirst for such matches.

It's set to be reflected this week when Liverpool take on Melbourne Victory at the MCG on Wednesday as part of their pre-season tour.

"Seeing the amount of people that are interested in these teams coming out here, there's people getting on board and wanting to see these brilliant teams come our here,'' Beauchamp told AAP.

"Hopefully it becomes a regular event.

"I think having a team like Manchester United come out here is saying something about the A-League - they obviously rate us in a way that they are willing to come out here and play a game.''

Midfielder Mark Bridge claimed to have had the best seat in the house for the opening hour before coming off the bench - his introduction coinciding with that of United Dutch superstar Robin van Persie, who wowed fans with a goal in his late cameo.

Bridge labelled the exhibition as much an education as entertainment.

"That first half I got to see a lot of things I wouldn't have seen if I was on the field and a lot of the runs the attackers and the midfielders make is brilliant,'' Bridge said.

"It was quick. You have to get over the aura of Manchester United when you get on the pitch but some of the things that they do on the ball - and the runs they made off the ball, it's a amazing.''

Asked about the prospect of the All-Stars concept becoming an annual event, Bridge said:

"I think so - I think now was the right time to do it, especially after the season the A-League just had.

"What a starting point - Manchester United - it's going to be hard to beat.

"If you get teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, massive teams, this is definitely a great stepping stone.''

-AAP