David Bentley says Rostov hooligans pose no threat to Manchester United fans.. who should bond with locals over karaoke
Former Arsenal, Spurs and Blackburn winger became the first Englishman to play in Russian Premier League
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DAVID BENTLEY says Manchester United fans should forget about violence in Rostov - and bond with karaoke-loving locals over Phil Collins.
Former Arsenal, Spurs and Blackburn winger Bentley became the first Englishman to play in the Russian Premier League when he went over for a short loan stint with Rostov in 2012.
And he has played down fears that United's 238 travelling fans could face the threat of fierce hooligans, having shelled out hundreds of pounds to make the 4,500-mile round-trip.
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A recent documentary showed the lengths Russian thugs are going to prepare themselves for clashes at next year's World Cup in their homeland.
But Bentley, now 32 and retired, insists hearing locals belting out Robbie Williams songs should be as bad as it gets for United's travelling support.
Bentley said: "Have you got your riot gear on? I am joking. I tell you what, I never saw any of that over there. I never saw any problems.
"It's a good city - and they love their karaoke! You would never think it, with the straight Russian stereotype, but it is the biggest thing.
"Don't waste your experience. You might as well go join in with a bit of Phil Collins.
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"They love karaoke - every single Russian bar has it. They're all there having a sing-along, singing Robbie Williams. It's brilliant.
"It is quite an interesting place to see. I walked around every day.
"There's a beautiful tree-lined boulevard with cafes and bars off it and down by the river is nice.
"The chance to be first Englishman to play in Russia was really the thing that excited me - a unique experience.
"All the preconceptions you have of Russia go out of the window. It is quite a nice place."
Jose Mourinho has slammed Rostov's "unplayable" pitch, with the United manager rightly concerned about the injury risk posed by the threadbare surface.
And Bentley reckons United could struggle at Olimp-2 on Thursday.
He added: "The ground is like an old English stadium. It has got one sort of main stand, one behind the goal and the rest is sort of at lower-tier stadium.
"The new one for the World Cup looks amazing but, yeah, the stadium will be a difficult place for Manchester United.
"They can't underestimate the team for one minute. They have done well, beating Bayern, and no one really knows them."