Why Manchester United want Man City to win FA Cup final against Watford

Manchester United are relying on a favour from rivals, Manchester City, to avoid a difficult summer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side finished sixth in the Premier League and face a Europa League qualifier on July 25, unless City beat Watford in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

The early start to the season would disrupt their preseason schedule that is already in place and includes friendlies in Australia, Singapore, China and Cardiff.

United are set to play Tottenham in Shanghai on July 25, the same day as the potential Europa League second qualifying round first leg.

If City can complete the final leg of their domestic treble, United will enter the Europa League in the group phase.

If not, they will have to play on six consecutive Thursdays – in the second qualifying round, third qualifying round and play-off round — before being entered into the draw for the group stage on August 30.

The first group games will be played on September 19.

The squad are due to report back for Carrington for the start of preseason training on July 1, before flying to Australia on July 7.

Unitedare due to play Perth Glory in Perth on July 13 before a game against Leeds United, also in Perth, on July 17.

From there, they will fly to Singapore to play Inter Milan on July 20, before facing Tottenham in Shanghai on July 25 and AC Milan in Cardiff on August 3.

The new Premier League campaign begins on August 10.

More News

President Buhari to Embark on Eight-Day Visit to Saudi Arabia, Perform Umrah

On Tuesday morning, President Muhammadu Buhari will begin an eight-day state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to perform...

Senator-Elect Yar’Adua Commits to Delivering Change for Katsina Central District

Senator-elect Abdul’aziz Yar’Adua of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Katsina Central Senatorial District has vowed to deliver on his campaign promises to the...

Police Arrest Suspect in Brutal Killing of Pregnant Girlfriend in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested Philibus Ibrahim, who allegedly strangled his pregnant girlfriend, 22-year-old Theresa Yakubu, in Tudun Wada Local Government Area...

2023 Polls: Group warns Governor Matawalle over inciting comments, blaming Nigerian military

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER), a Civil Society Organisation, has accused Governor Bello Matawalle of displaying undemocratic tendencies following his...