Manchester United, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world, has made a significant change to their pre-season plans. The club’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has decided to arrange two friendlies on the final weekend before the start of the new Premier League season. This decision aims to ensure that as many players as possible are match-fit and ready for the upcoming campaign.
The club is set to face a yet-to-be-announced team in Dublin on August 5, followed by a match against Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford on August 6. This change in plans comes after United’s loss in the FA Cup final, which would have seen them contest the Community Shield on August 6. Instead, the Community Shield will now be contested between Manchester City and Premier League runners-up Arsenal.
This isn’t the first time United has scheduled two first-team matches across one weekend. Last year, they played their strongest side against Atletico Madrid in Oslo on the Saturday before the season began and used a rotated team against Rayo Vallecano the following day.
Before the US tour kicks off, United will face Leeds in Oslo on July 12 and Lyon in Edinburgh on July 19. During their US tour, United will play against Arsenal in New York on July 22, Real Madrid in Houston on July 26, and Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas on July 30. An academy side will also take on Wrexham in San Diego on July 25.
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This pre-season schedule is a clear indication of the club’s commitment to ensuring their players are in the best possible shape for the new season. It will be interesting to see how these matches impact the team’s performance in the upcoming Premier League season.
