Manchester United are in talks with Barcelona over a summer friendly. If the deal is struck Manchester United are likely to take on Barca in Washington in July, according to the Manchester Evening News. United are already lining up their summer tour of the States and have training bases in mind despite Ed Woodward being coy during a conference call with investors earlier this month.
Jose Mourinho is keen to steer the club away from an Asian tour after last year’s shambles saw the game with Manchester City postponed due to heavy rain in Beijing. f the deal with Barcelona is complete they are likely to play at FedEX Field, home of NFL side Washington Redskins on July 25. United picked up the first trophy of the Mourinho era on Sunday with the 3-2 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup final. They remain in the Europa League and the FA Cup but are two points back from the top four with 13 games to play.
United were given a boost last night with Liverpool losing at Leicester and the Anfield side face Arsenal this Saturday giving Mourinho an opportunity to close the gap further. United’s impressive run – they are without a defeat in the league since Chelsea in October – has built hope but they remain in sixth place and 15 points behind the leaders.
A possible July clash has been mooted, although no deal finalised, with the schedule of the International Champions Cup set to be revealed in New York next month. Talking to investors in a conference call this month, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward insisted he could not ‘confirm or deny’ United’s pre-season tour ahead of next season will take place in the United States.
But it is understood United are exploring training bases in California with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) one possibility. A friendly against Manchester City on the west coast of America has already been mooted. The proposed Manchester derby in Beijing last summer was cancelled after heavy rain in the Chinese capital made the pitch at the Bird’s Nest Stadium unplayable. United are likely play at least three games if they make the trip across the Atlantic.
Other possible opponents include Juventus or Real Madrid, who are also expected to spend their summers in America. Facing an MLS team is also an option. If a deal can be struck for United to play Barcelona the game would likely take place at FedEx Field, home of NFL team the Washington Redskins. Tuesday, July 25 has been mentioned as a possible date.
