Manchester City and Manchester United will face-off at the International Champions Cup (ICC) with the fixture joining the Clasico clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona in an exciting line-up.
The Premier League rivals are set to meet on July 20 at a venue that has yet to be confirmed and will mark the first time the teams have met outside of the United Kingdom.
Last year, the teams were meant to play a pre-season match in China, but torrential rain in Beijing meant the game was cancelled.
The pre-season event is also hosting a fixture between LaLiga powerhouses Madrid and Barcelona, which was already announced for July 29 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
United will also play Madrid and Barcelona, while City face Los Blancos and Tottenham.
Spurs can also look forward to a meeting with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, while Juventus and Roma are scheduled to take part in the tournament.
“This year’s International Champions Cup will feature two of the most iconic derbies in sports: El Clasico and the Manchester Derby,” said Charlie Stillitano, chairman of organising Relevent Sports.
“The line-up of teams participating in this year’s tournament is world-class from top to bottom, highlighted by current champions of three top domestic leagues as well as the reigning Champions League titleholder.
“Hosting this calibre of soccer competition in the U.S. is only feasible through the ICC, where these teams can compete in a highly competitive tournament in preparation for their upcoming domestic campaign.”
Former boss Sir Alex Ferguson helmed pre-season tours to the United States during his later years in charge and believes such occasions add an extra intensity to a side’s preparations for the forthcoming campaign.
“Many years ago, our pre-season was probably done in a less intense way,” he added. We’d go to Scandinavia and places like that for a gentle build-up until the matchdays started in the league.
“When we went to the States it became more serious.
“The difference is that we can’t afford to lose to Barcelona or Real Madrid or Manchester City or Milan. The expectation is too big.
“That’s why you always get the full product when Manchester United play in these games.”
Schedule in full:
July 20, Roma – PSG
July 21, Manchester United – Manchester City
July 22, Juventus – Barcelona
July 22, PSG – Tottenham
July 23, Real Madrid – Manchester United
July 25, Tottenham – Roma
July 26, Barcelona – Manchester United
July 26, Manchester City – Real Madrid
July 26, PSG – Juventus
July 29 Manchester City – Tottenham
July 29, Real Madrid – Barcelona
July 30, Roma – Juventus
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