Manchester derby in China as a part of pre-season tour
Mar 22, 2016 at 9:55 PM
The business end of this season is almost upon us and there are fans who have already started thinking about the start of the next season and understandably so.
The pre-season games are always a treat to watch for the fans as it allows them to play clubs from all over Europe irrespective of the results. This attracts a lot of crowds and when played in other countries, can bring in a lot of revenue as well.
One such thrilling encounter that is scheduled before the start of the next season is the Manchester derby.
The Red Devils who have not been to Asia for a couple of years are back in China this summer for an 8-day trip and face their local rivals Manchester City in one of the most awaited matches of the pre-season tour this summer.
Manchester City announced earlier this year that they will travel to China as a part of their pre-season and with Manchester United also travelling to the country for 2 games in 8 days, these two giants are set to meet in Beijing.
The Old Trafford outfit travelled to the US two years in a row but now is a part of the tour to China and will the Citizens for the first time outside the UK.
Though the dates are not yet released, this game provides a lip-smacking prospect of seeing two great managers of the game go head to head in the appetizer.
Pep Guardiola, set to manage City next season might face Jose Mourinho who is tipped off to replace Van Gaal next season in a crunch friendly even before the real season starts.
Manchester United will also want to take advantage of the 107 million fan base in China and will be hoping to exploit their reach in the market in Asia.
It is expected that the game could be held at the capital in late July.