Taylor Hopes Supporters Are All Smiles

By Tom Easterby

After the hugely-successful free open training day at St. James' Park on Tuesday, Steven Taylor hopes supporters left the stadium with smiles on their faces.

Around 8,000 fans turned up to watch United's first team being put through their paces by Alan Pardew and his coaching staff ahead of Sunday's visit of Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City.

They were treated to a full training session, with the squad wearing the new PUMA home kit, before Remy Cabella, Emmanuel Riviere and Daryl Janmaat took part in a crossbar challenge with some lucky supporters.

Goalkeeper Tim Krul also faced a penalty shoot-out from some youngsters - with a few of them even managing to tuck their spot-kicks past the Dutch World Cup hero - and Taylor said afterwards the event had gone down well.

"It's always good, we've had a few open days here over the years and it's always nice for the fans to come and see a new, fresh team," said the 28-year-old.

"Hopefully they've enjoyed themselves. It's great for the kids to come along and enjoy the stadium as well as training and see the new boys - hopefully they like what they see."

The new home kit, which is now available to pre-order before it goes on sale on Thursday, was showcased by the players on the same day the Club announced their long-term partnership extension with PUMA.

And Taylor, who made a substitute appearance in Sunday's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, says the kit is a popular one with the team as they look ahead to donning it for the first time this weekend.

"We like it. It's a nice tight fit," he said.

"It's good that all the lads are in shape as well and I think it's gone down pretty well with everyone.

"Everything we do in pre-season leads to the first game of the season against Manchester City and we're ready for it, really. I think today shows that we're looking fit."

To secure your seat at St. James' Park for the opening day of the 2014/15 campaign against Manchester City, click here.