Manchester United's Bay Area visit ignites soccer fever

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Soccer fever is gripping the Bay Area.

European super-power Manchester United took on the San Jose Earthquakes Tuesday night at Avaya Stadium. Manchester United won the match, 3-1. Manchester United will take on Barcelona Saturday at Levi's Stadium.

Manchester United is probably garnering a few new fans in the Bay Area and some got to meet the players Wednesday at the San Jose hotel where they're staying.

Whether you call it soccer or football, enthusiasm for the game is growing.

"It's kind of at its peak the Women's Soccer is getting a lot better right now," said soccer fan Alison Whipple.

For the next few days, all eyes are on the Bay Area as Manchester United gets ready to take on Barcelona. Manchester United held a press conference in San Francisco Wednesday.

"Historically, it's the greatest English team of all time," said SoccerPro employee Jonathan Gutierrez. Gutierrez has been playing since he was 5. "It's a beautiful game," he said.

There were lots of pictures with the team, autographs and even training drills for some special fans at a closed Aon nevent Wednesday.

Soccer's star power seems to be multiplying as well.

"I think the big thing was the U.S.A. in the World Cup," said Wayne Rooney, Manchester United team captain.

Rooney has a message for his roaring red fans. "When they attend the game that we entertain them and give them what they want to see," he said.