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Manchester United Announces US Pre-Season Tour

By Patricia Didelot
Published on: 02:51 PST, Feb 4, 2014

Manchester United announced it will return to the United States for the first time since 2011 and 2010, to participate in a pre-season tour, scheduled between July 26 and August 4.

The trip is rumored to be part of the 2014 International Champions Cup that last year included eight teams, such as Chelsea, Juventus, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy, which were paired in matches against teams in America and Spain.

Several posters were released by Manchester United, showcasing the tour announcement for 2014-2015 and their biggest stars:

Manchester United is clearly trying to attract more followers given soccer’s popularity in the United States as supported by Richard Arnold, United’s group managing director, who said in a statement:

“I’m delighted to announce that the team will be returning to the USA for our 2014 Tour, presented by Aon.”

“Since the club’s last visit in 2011, the appeal of football in America has grown rapidly. NBC reported that this season’s Barclays Premier League opening weekend saw the average viewership rise by 78 per cent from the 2012-13 season, with Manchester United’s match against Swansea being the most-watched game.”

“Manchester United has over eight million followers in the United States and the 2014 Tour presents an exciting opportunity for these fans to get up close to the club they love.”

No details were given in the statement, but it is believed that United are scheduled to play Inter Milan in Washington, D.C. on July 29 and Real Madrid in Michigan in August. Other cities that will see the best European clubs play include New York and Miami.

However, due to Manchester United’s poor performance, some believe that the US tour is in jeopardy if the team doesn’t improve its record in the Premier League.

According to some predictions, Manchester United — which has been stuck in seventh place in the Premier League — could be forced to play a qualifier for the Europa League.

Manager David Moyes is under pressure and has threatened to clean house if play doesn’t improve, but Manchester United player Anderson — who is at Fiorentina on loan — says many are getting ready to leave the team.

“I’m sure that lots of players want out, especially people like myself and Nani who have been in Manchester for seven or eight years,” Anderson was quoted as telling ESPN.

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