Man Utd reveal shock change to pre-season plans as they line-up US trip including potential Las Vegas match
MANCHESTER UNITED will tour the USA in pre-season this summer for the first time in five years.
Erik ten Hag‘s squad are tipped to visit Las Vegas and a friendly with Ryan Reynolds‘ Wrexham has been mooted for San Diego on July 26.
And although it will be the eighth time in two decades United have travelled Stateside, the new plans mark a major change from choosing Asia and Australia in recent years.
Ten Hag will hope the Red Devils’ huge support in the US will have a Treble to celebrate at first hand.
The Dutchman’s Carabao Cup winners are on the brink of the Europa League quarter-finals and host Fulham in the FA Cup last eight on Sunday.
Old Trafford football director John Murtough said: “Everyone at the club is looking forward to it, especially the players, who love the high-quality facilities, the welcoming atmosphere and passionate support of our large US fanbase.
“As well as engaging with our fans, Tour 2023 will give Erik and his squad the opportunity to reconnect after the summer break and prepare for the restart of the Premier League.
“We’ve worked with the manager and his staff to create training camps with the best sporting facilities available, as well as a mix of competitive opponents, ensuring the squad will have the best opportunity to gain fitness and playing time in the US.
“Tour 2023 will not only see the return of our senior players to training and playing, but there will also be valuable opportunities for up-and-coming talent from our academy and for our US fans to see some potential stars of the future.”
Murtough added: “We know that Manchester United and the Premier League in general are growing in popularity across the US, so we are looking forward to building on this connection this summer.”
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But wingers Antony and Alejandro Garnacho failed to make Ten Hag’s 21-man squad.
Antony missed training on Wednesday due to illness and Garnacho has joined Anthony Martial on the injury list.