As one of the biggest sports clubs in the world, Manchester United, comes in Melbourne for two matches on the Australian part of their 2022 preseason tour, more than 150,000 Australians are getting ready to turn the MCG into a sea of red.
The A-League Men's Melbourne Victory and fellow EPL team Crystal Palace will be the opponents for the English Premier League team on Friday and Tuesday, respectively.
Despite the fact that United just defeated Liverpool 4-0 in a preseason friendly in Bangkok, new manager Erik ten Hag predicted that playing Melbourne Victory will require a different approach.
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United, together with his coach Erik ten Hag, are pictured with Victorian Sports Minister Steve Dimopoulos. Thanks to Getty Images
On Thursday, ten Hag stated, "It's a different opposition and it's always good to play against a different culture, and it will be a different approach. "We're excited for this game. It will be a worthwhile test.
Forward Similar ideas were expressed by Marcus Rashford.
We don't often have the chance to compete against Australian teams, players, or tournaments. Therefore, you know, it's always difficult because it comes as a surprise to us," he remarked.
It's a tremendous opportunity for us to compete against a team that we don't know very well.
It's a tremendous opportunity for us to compete against a team that we don't know very well. Additionally, we will play for audiences that we do not typically have the chance to do so with throughout the season. Therefore, all of the participants are anticipating it. And perhaps we present a positive image of ourselves.
Ten Hag claimed that United were utilizing the pre-season tour to develop the team's talent and realize their potential after a dismal previous campaign that ended with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
"I want productivity in every area of the team. According to the Dutch coach, who was hired at the conclusion of the previous campaign, "and that's the most essential [part], that players take initiative on the ball and off the ball in offence and defense."
"Manchester United has a great potential. You have extremely fantastic players and experienced players, but you also have a lot of young guys and young boys that have a lot of potential.
Cristiano Ronaldo won't be participating for the team because he is now on personal leave to attend to family matters and recently told United of his intention to be transferred in order to compete in the Champions League next season.Harry Maguire will most certainly play at least part of the game on Friday, according to ten Hag.
150,000 tickets were sold over the course of the two games, with 40% of those sales coming from outside Victoria, according to Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, indicating that there was already a significant demand for tickets.
"Manchester United having their preseason tour in Melbourne this year is certainly the gem in the crown in that major events calendar spanning sports and entertainment," he added.
Manchester United will travel to Perth after their match against Melbourne to play Aston Villa at Optus Stadium on July 23.
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