EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United’s 2011 summer tour of the United States has been finalized, according to an unnamed source.
The tour will kick off with Manchester United playing against Seattle Sounders on July 20 or 21 in Seattle, Washington. The club will utilize the Nike training facilities near Beaverton, Oregon to prepare for the club’s first preseason friendly of the United States.
After playing Seattle Sounders, Manchester United will fly to Chicago where they’ll play against Chicago Fire on Saturday, July 23. Event organizers were originally planning on having the game played at Wrigley Field, the legendary baseball stadium, but it appears that the deal may have fallen through, and that the game will be played at a different Chicago venue instead.
Next on the itinerary for Manchester United is their participation, for the second year running, in the MLS All-Star Game. Last season, Manchester United defeated the MLS All-Star Team 5-2 in an exciting game in Houston, Texas. But this year’s MLS All-Star Game will be played on July 27 at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.
Last, but not least, Manchester United will complete their United States preseason tour with a mouthwatering game against Barcelona on July 30 in Washington D.C. After the game, Manchester United will return to England to finalize preparation for the 2011-2012 Premier League season.
An official announcement regarding Manchester United’s tour is expected to be announced in late March.
Since breaking the news that Manchester United were in serious discussions as early as December to tour the United States, EPL Talk has received countless phone calls and e-mails asking for ticket information. Ticket details are expected to be announced in late March. But without a doubt, tickets will go fast. In previous years when Manchester United has toured the United States, the best places to find ticket news were to become a member of One United USA (the official Manchester United Supporters Club of America) or to visit the official Manchester United website.
What are your thoughts about the four cities that Manchester United have selected for their U.S. preseason tour? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
