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Manchester United announced that they will be returning to the United States as part of their pre-season preparations and for the first time will take part in the Premier League’s Summer Series with matches in July and August.
The Red Devils are no strangers to playing in the US, going there for the last two pre-season tours in a row but the Summer Series represents a unique opportunity for the club.
Playing teams from the English top-flight will be ideal preparation ahead of the new season with the 20-time English league champions set to play West Ham United, Bournemouth, and Everton in three games.
Technical director Jason Wilcox explained the benefits of taking part in the Summer Series for the first time (via the club website).
Summer series plans
“The weeks leading up to a new Premier League season is always an exciting time for United players and fans alike, and we enjoy spending that period in the US, taking advantage of world-class training facilities and stadiums, and engaging with fans.
“Playing other teams from the Premier League provides the players with an opportunity to gain valuable playing time against top opposition, and for our passionate fans to see the action live at three of the most iconic stadiums in North America.”
United’s first of three fixtures is against the Hammers and it will be played in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 26. Their next game is against Bournemouth at Soldier Field, Chicago four days later.
The final game will be against Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on August 3. It will be United’s first-ever game in the US state of Georgia.
Club legend Andrew Cole added, “The facilities in the US provide a world-class environment for players to come and prepare for the upcoming season and bond as a group.
Hectic post season
“Playing three Premier League sides, in three iconic stadiums, will be a great advert for the quality of the league.
“United enjoy a huge following in the US and I know they will be incredibly excited about the prospect of watching and engaging with the team, when they return this summer.”
It is expected to be a hectic post season for the players with United set to play two matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong following their final Premier League match of the campaign against Aston Villa on Sunday, May 25.
How the players react to the increased load and whether it leads to even more injuries next season remains to be seen. For now, INEOS are only focusing on the money trail as they look to bring the club’s finances in order.
Fixtures
West Ham United – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, 26/07
Bournemouth – Soldier Field, Chicago, 30/07
Everton – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, 03/08
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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