Battle at the Theatre of Dreams: Manchester United vs Athletic Club – How to Watch Live

Manchester United vs Athletic Club: Pre-Season Club Friendly Preview

Kick-Off Time and Venue

The pre-season club friendly match between Manchester United and Athletic Club de Bilbao is scheduled for August 6, 2023, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The kick-off time for viewers in the United States (US) will be at 11am EDT.

How to Watch the Match

The game will be available to stream online live through MUTV, Manchester United’s official television channel. For live updates and commentary, GOAL will provide coverage on their Live Match Center page.

Team News and Squads

Manchester United

Rasmus Hojlund is expected to make his non-competitive club debut for Manchester United, joining first-team players who did not start in the previous win against Lens. This includes key players such as Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay, and Christian Eriksen. However, several players including Dean Henderson, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo, and Kobbie Mainoo will not be available due to injuries. There is also a possibility of seeing promising academy players Joe Hugill and Omari Forson in the starting XI.

Possible Manchester United starting XI: Heaton; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Fernandez; McTominay, Hannibal, Eriksen; Pellistri, Hugill, Forson

Athletic Club

Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde is likely to give playing time to his key players ahead of their upcoming La Liga match against Real Madrid. Players such as Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, and Mikel Vesga are expected to feature in the starting XI. New signings Ruiz de Galarreta and Javier Marton could also make appearances. In the forward line, it could be a choice between Gorka Guruzeta and Asier Villalibre.

Possible Athletic Club starting XI: Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Yuri; Vesga, D. Garcia; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta

Head-to-Head Record

These two teams have faced each other twice in the past during the UEFA Europa League in 2012. Athletic Club won both matches, with a 2-1 victory at home and a thrilling 3-2 win in Manchester.

Editorial and Analysis

The pre-season club friendly between Manchester United and Athletic Club offers an opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and test their players ahead of their respective league campaigns. For Manchester United, it has been an inconsistent pre-season, with wins against Lens but losses against Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund. This match will be crucial for manager Erik ten Hag to assess the team’s progress and address any areas of concern.

Athletic Club, on the other hand, is coming off a 2-2 draw against Eibar in a friendly match. With their La Liga campaign starting soon, manager Ernesto Valverde will be looking for a solid performance from his players against Manchester United. This match will provide an opportunity for new signings Ruiz de Galarreta and Javier Marton to showcase their skills and integrate into the team.

Philosophical Discussion: Friendlies and Their Significance

Pre-season club friendlies are often viewed as a way for teams to prepare for the upcoming season, allowing players to regain match fitness and establish their playing style. While the results may not hold much significance, these matches provide valuable opportunities for managers to assess their squad, experiment with tactics, and give young players a chance to shine.

Advice to Both Teams

For Manchester United, it is crucial to focus on improving their defensive solidity and midfield cohesion. They need to address the lack of consistency in their pre-season performances and create a system that maximizes the potential of their attacking players. The match against Athletic Club offers an opportunity to build confidence and momentum before the start of the Premier League.

Athletic Club should strive to maintain their strong defensive organization and take advantage of Manchester United’s potential weaknesses. They should aim to establish control in midfield and look for opportunities to exploit their opponent’s defense. A positive performance in this friendly can boost team morale and set the tone for a successful La Liga campaign.

Ultimately, while the result of this pre-season friendly may not carry significant weight, it serves as an important test for both teams. It allows them to assess their readiness for the upcoming season and make necessary adjustments to ensure a competitive start in their respective leagues.