AmaZulu vs. Manchester United: Red Devils Who Will Shine in Preseason Opener

Manchester United begins its quest toward returning to the top of the Premier League with a preseason friendly against South African squad, AmaZulu. The Red Devils will travel around the globe over the next month playing warm-up matches.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson will probably feature a lineup with a good balance of veterans and young players while also getting players minutes off the bench. With that in mind, let's take a look at three stars who will have good showings on Wednesday.

Shinji Kagawa

United acquired Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund after watching him score 17 goals in 43 games across all competitions last season. The attacking midfielder figures to become an important piece of the Red Devils' lineup in the years to come.

That journey starts today with what will likely be his first appearance for the club. Having a chance to get his feet wet playing against some lower-level competition before the meaningful games start should really help his transition go smoothly.

The biggest key for Kagawa during preseason action will be remaining aggressive. That's what allowed him to become a star with Borussia Dortmund and he can't afford to start being tentative after the move. Look for him to start his United career on a high note.

Javier Hernandez

Hernandez has scored 32 goals over the past two seasons for the Red Devils. Perhaps the most impressive thing about that is how he's continued to produce despite a role that's constantly changing. And he never complains about it.

Whether he's in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, he finds a way to make an impact while also being a team-first player. Many rising stars in the same situation would be looking for escape route to a team with guaranteed starting spot.

The 24-year-old Mexican international should get a chance to make an early impact on this season against AmaZulu. Wayne Rooney will remain the team's top striker, but a strong preseason will help Chicharito earn more opportunities.

Paul Scholes

Unlike the two young guns before him on the list, Scholes is a wily veteran looking to prove he has enough left in the tank for another full season. He came out of retirement last season when the Red Devils were in a pinch, and played well.

The 37-year-old midfielder has played his entire career with the Red Devils, creating quite the legacy for himself. Many players would worry about damaging that by hanging around too long, but it's clear he believe he can still hold his own.

While his playing time in the preseason will likely be up to him, he should draw the start in the preseason opener to help keep things under control with many young players trying to build some chemistry. It's a role that should allow him to thrive.