New-look Manchester United kick-off pre-season preparations in USA
After injecting plenty of new talent into his squad, Louis van Gaal will once again lead Manchester United out as they begin their pre-season preparation ahead of a hopeful new season at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils will compete in the International Champions Cup on American soil, with their opening clash coming against Mexican outfit Club America, the first time they have met in over a decade.
Meanwhile, Spanish giants Real Madrid will face Serie A side Roma in the tournament’s other opening fixture, with all three European clubs hoping to gain form and momentum ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.
Club America v Man Utd
United’s opposition ply their domestic trade in Liga MX, Mexico’s premier division, and they are 4/1 with Coral to cause an upset over Van Gaal’s travelling Red Devils.
Las Aguilas will be no pushovers on American soil, as they boast more league titles than any other side on their shores, having established themselves as the country’s number one club.
United have previously faced the Mexican champions in 2003, with Diego Forlan and Ruud van Nistelrooy seeing them off in a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Now, 12 years later, next season’s Premier League hopefuls possess an abundance of recent new signings aiming for a strong start to their careers in red, and are odds-on 1/2 to triumph.
Deadly Dutchman Memphis Depay has been hailed as a genuine world class attacker by the club’s coaching staff, and he could make his debut, along with fellow arrivals Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian.
As well as a variety of new faces, many youngsters have been brought along and will look to make an impact in front of their demanding boss Van Gaal.
Adnan Januzaj will want to showcase his talents, having somewhat fallen off the radar, while James Wilson, Paddy McNair, Andreas Pereira and surprise squad inclusion Sean Goss all have points to prove.
Real Madrid v Roma
In the other competition fixture, a mouth-watering clash worthy of a Champions League knock-out stage match-up takes place, as newly-appointed Los Blancos boss Rafa Benitez leads Madrid out against Roma.
The Italians are 7/2 to topple their European rivals, with both sides boasting most of the star names from last season and several new acquisitions.
Gareth Bale will want to enjoy a more successful campaign than last, and a tough pre-season test against Roma could benefit the former Spurs forward hugely. The Welshman has been sublime in his country’s efforts to qualify for Euro 2016 and is 8/1 to bag a brace or more.
Martin Odegaard is possibly the most talked about teenager on the planet, and Real fans will hope to see his true talents expressed during this American tour, with the Norwegian wonderkid 7/2 to score anytime.
Reported Red Devils target Sergio Ramos is to remain at the Bernabeu next term, according to Benitez, and the Spaniard is 13/2 to net anytime against Roma. The La Liga defender is set to come up against his potential suitors later in the event, with David de Gea’s potential outing also highly awaited.
Brazilian right back Danilo arrived form Porto this summer and is set to make his awaited debut, while compatriot defensive midfielder Casmeiro has returned from his loan spell alongside his teammate last term in Portugal.
Familiar Roma stars Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi are all set to feature, with the former and Italian club legend 11/4 to strike anytime.
