Man-oh-man, Manchester U are back in Melbourne

Don’t miss the chance to see some of the world’s best soccer players on home soil at the MCG. 

English Premier League powerhouse Manchester United will hit Melbourne this July for a two-match series. It all begins on Friday 15 July, when Melburnians flock to the home of another ‘football’ code, the MCG, to see the Red Devils take on A-League side Melbourne Victory. Their second game will be up against fellow English rivals Crystal Palace on Tuesday 19 July. 

It will be a huge sporting moment for Melbourne and a big win for the city’s major events comeback, as these matches are part of the soccer giant’s wider Asia pre-season tour.

Manchester United CEO Collette Roche is excited about the prospect, too.

‘It has been two years since the club has been able to travel on an international pre-season tour, so we can’t wait to get going and reconnect with our fans in Australiasia,’ said Roche. 

‘Our matches in Melbourne will be a wonderful opportunity for international fans to see their favourite players up-close in an exciting schedule of games,’ added Roche. 

The friendly match against Victory will be United’s first trip back to Melbourne since facing the Socceroos in 1999. And will be just their fourth visit to Australia in 25 years (a 2013 exhibition clash verses the A-League All Stars in Sydney, and the Leeds match in Perth, 2019). 

Melbourne Victory Men’s Head Coach Tony Popovic said the match-up will be a memorable occasion for all involved. 

‘It’s a fantastic game to showcase a club like Manchester United in our country. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our Club, Melbourne Victory, to the world,’ said Popovic said.

‘It’s a great opportunity for our players to come up against the very best and see how they match up against them,’ added Popovic. 

Sources close to the deal say United will likely bring a full squad on the Australia leg of their preseason tour, with the hope that interstate and overseas travellers will be lured to the world’s sporting capital.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director Caroline Carnegie said that this is a fantastic opportunity for both the Club and the League. 

‘This will be Melbourne Victory’s biggest international friendly since our game against Liverpool FC, which attracted over 95,000,’ said Carnegie said. 

We are excited to get the opportunity to test our squad against the Premier League giant and to do this in front of a passionate home crowd,’ added Carnegie. 

Tickets are selling fast—snap yours up by visiting Ticketek Australia’s website. 

Manchester United Tour
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Avenue, Richmond, 3002
Friday 16 and Tuesday 19 July 2022
premier.ticketek.com.au