As the European football seasons draw closer to their kick-off, the quality of friendly matches between teams is on the rise. This Wednesday, football fans will be treated to an exciting clash between Manchester United and Real Madrid. Both teams will be participating in the upcoming Champions League, making it crucial for them to set their squad rotations early on, especially with new additions to their squads.
Real Madrid will be without Karim Benzema, who is now in Saudi Arabia, leaving them in search of a short-term talisman. Federico Valverde showed promise after his impressive brace against AC Milan and could fill the void left by Benzema. Additionally, integrating Jude Bellingham into their midfield raises some questions that Carlo Ancelotti must address.
On the other hand, Manchester United seems to be more settled but still needs a backup striker. There are also concerns surrounding their defense, despite a shutout victory over Arsenal. The key for them lies in integrating Mason Mount into their attack, which will be a focal point for Erik ten Hag in this match.
How to Watch and Odds:
- Date: Wednesday, July 26
- Time: 8:30 p.m.
- Location: NRG Stadium — Houston, Texas
- Live Stream: ESPN+
Storylines:
Real Madrid: The club has been dealing with rumors surrounding Kylian Mbappe, making it difficult for them to have a normal preseason. With transfer advances for players like Luka Modric from Saudi Arabia and Ancelotti from Brazil, along with Benzema’s departure, Real Madrid must reinvent themselves before the season starts to compete for La Liga. They have managed to bounce back in the past after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, but there is more uncertainty surrounding them this time. The match against Manchester United will serve as a crucial test for Los Blancos, given the limited time left until the La Liga season begins.
Manchester United: The preseason has provided Erik ten Hag with the opportunity to evaluate younger players in the squad. Depth is essential as they participate in the Champions League, and players like Kobbie Mainoo stepping up can be a great asset. The midfield has an opening following Marcel Sabitzer’s departure, and there are speculations about Fred and Scott McTominay leaving before the season begins. This creates an ideal situation for young talents to showcase their abilities and secure spots behind key players like Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Mount.
The match will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, and is expected to draw a crowd of as many as 72,220 fans, eager to witness a clash between two of the world’s biggest clubs.
Manchester United has seen several young players impressing during their pre-season tour, with Hannibal Mejbiri and Kobbie Mainoo making strong cases for spots in the squad for the upcoming season. This match offers them a chance to further impress against top-level opposition.
Prediction: With both teams aiming to avoid injuries, an entertaining and high-scoring match can be expected, with goals likely to come from both sides. Prediction: Real Madrid 3, Manchester United 2.
Manchester United’s pre-season tour continues as they face Real Madrid on Wednesday, with Erik ten Hag’s side squaring off against Carlo Ancelotti’s Spanish giants.
United has enjoyed success in their pre-season matches so far, securing victories against Leeds and Arsenal as they prepare for the new Premier League season and a return to the Champions League. The team has also been bolstered by the signings of Mason Mount and Andre Onana, and they look forward to building on a promising first season under Ten Hag.
On the other side, Real Madrid is coming off a 3-2 win against AC Milan in their opening pre-season friendly. They will be eager to make improvements after a season in which they lost their grip on La Liga and the Champions League. Young talent Jude Bellingham is expected to be in the starting XI for Los Blancos, presenting him with an opportunity to impress against English opposition in the early stages of his Madrid career.