Man United look to bounce back against Real Madrid

Manchester United will look to get their preseason campaign back on track when they face Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup (ICC) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Wednesday, August 1, kick-off at 02h05 CAT.

United come into the game against the Spanish heavyweight having suffered a 4-1 loss at the hands of Liverpool in the ICC on Sunday morning. Jurgen Klopp’s side romped to victory thanks to goals from Sadio Mane, Daniel Sturridge, Oluwaseyi Ojo and Xherdan Shaqiri, while United’s consolation strike was netted by Andreas Pereira.

Jose Mourinho’s side are yet to win a match in their preseason programme, having played to draws with CF America, San Jose Earthquakes and AC Milan before coming up against their Premier League rivals.

Real, meanwhile, will only be starting their preseason campaign with this clash against United. It will be a first unofficial game in charge for new coach Julen Lopetegui, who was unceremoniously axed from the Spanish national side at the 2018 World Cup when it had emerged that he was going to take over at ‘Los Blancos’.

Real Madrid have almost a full-strength squad to choose from, though Luka Modric is set to be missing as he is given an extended break after his exertions for Croatia at the World Cup. United have the same issue over players such as Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku.

Both teams will have players looking to establish themselves ahead of the 2018/19 season, with Real’s forwards such Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale looking to prove that they can handle the burden left by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, while United’s Alexis Sanchez and Andreas Pereira are looking to impress the ‘Special One’.

In head-to-head stats, United and Real have clashed in 11 competitive matches (excluding friendlies). ‘Los Blancos’ have claimed five wins compared to two for the ‘Red Devils’, while four games have been drawn.

The teams’ most recent competitive meeting was in the UEFA Super Cup on August 8 last year, which Madrid won 2-1 thanks to goals from Casemiro and Isco.

Man United v Real Madrid – Head-to-Head (all competitions, no friendlies included)

Matches played 11

Man United wins 2

Real Madrid wins 5

Draws 4

Man United goals 17

Real Madrid goals 22