Manchester United will begin their 2016-17 pre-season campaign under new manager Jose Mourinho. While transfer activities remain the central point of focus at the moment but the pre-season is equally important for Manchester United.
Mourinho is known for taking bold decisions that he feels necessary for the best interest of his team. No body’s future at the club is safe with him being around. Therefore, a lot of United players will be working extremely hard to make a strong impression before their new manager.
The likes of Memphis Depay, Marcos Rojo and Morgan Schneiderlin – players who have performed below their expectations last season – will be keen to prove a point to Mourinho.
The pre-season is also important for the new comers at the club as they will look to integrate with their new teammates before the start of the season. At the same time, it is equally important for players to regain full fitness, for instance, Luke Shaw, who missed almost the entire season through injury. It is a challenge for him to stay fit and sharp ahead of the new season.
United start their pre-season campaign against Wigan Athletic on Saturday. The Red Devils will make a trip to Asia next to play the International Champions Cup where they will play against derby rivals Manchester City and German giants Borussia Dortmund.
In August, Old Trafford will host Wayne Rooney’s testimonial where United will face Everton in a friendly game. And finally, they end the pre-season campaign against Premier League champions Leicester City in the Community Shield at Wembley.
Manchester United Pre-season Fixtures
16 July vs Wigan Athletic (DW Stadium) – 1.30pm kick-off.
22 July vs Borussia Dortmund (Shanghai Stadium – International Champions Cup) – 1pm kick-off.
25 July vs Manchester City (Bird’s Nest, Beijing – International Champions Cup) – 12:30pm kick-off.
30 July vs Galatasaray (Ullevi Stadium, Gothenburg – International Champions Cup) – 6:30pm kick-off.
3 August vs Everton (Old Trafford – Wayne Rooney testimonial) – 8pm kick-off.
7 August vs Leicester City (Wembley – FA Community Shield) – 4pm kick-off.
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