Manchester United are looking ahead to a first pre-season tour since 2019 this summer.
Covid restrictions meant it was impossible to tour in 2020 and not sensible to do so in 2021. Arsenal attempted to head to the US, and had to cancel at the last minute.
This summer United are among a handful of Premier League teams pushing ahead with a planned tour of the Far East, with full details yet to be confirmed.
What is being reported, are potential locations, dates, and opponents, which shows how far along the plans are progressing.
At least two matches lined up
The Athletic report Manchester United are lining up a friendly with Liverpool in Bangkok, Thailand for July 12.
A second proposed match will take place in Australia around a week later against Crystal Palace. Which Australian city the game will be held in, is yet to be confirmed.
Palace will face Liverpool in Singapore in between on July 15. It is possible these matches will form a mini-tournament with a trophy up for grabs.
The report states contracts have not yet been signed and the finer details have to be ironed out, but the outline of a plan is taking shape. Announcements could be made as soon as March.
Back to normality
United’s last pre-season tour saw the team play four matches, three in Australia against Perth Glory, Leeds United and Inter Milan, followed by a game against Tottenham Hotspur in China. United won all four matches.
The following year, United’s condensed pre-season consisted of one away game against Aston Villa.
This past year United played pre-season games in the UK, against Derby, QPR, Brentford and Everton.
Trips abroad are a money spinner for sides like United, allowing the club to connect with the global fanbase and attract new fans, and sponsorship tie-ups.
After missing out the last two years, United will be determined to take advantage of relaxed restrictions, where fans can attend.
In previous years United have also visited the US, but it appears fans across the Atlantic will have to wait until at least 2023 for the side to visit.
The pre-season trips will have extra attention for United, as they will be the team’s first under a new manager.
In an ideal situation, United will also have a few of signings confirmed by early July, to head out on the pre-season tour.
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