How to watch Real Madrid v United
Manchester United’s fifth pre-season game is a mouthwatering clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid in Houston, Texas.
As well as being on the Reds' Tour 2023 itinerary, the game also forms part of the Soccer Champions Tour exhibition series, featuring six of the world’s most iconic football clubs in eight matches across the United States.
Madrid, the 14-time Champions League winners, head into the new season looking to reclaim La Liga's title from rivals Barcelona. However, they did taste success in 2022/23 after winning the FIFA Club World Cup and the Copa del Rey.
Ahead of our encounter, here’s the lowdown on what to expect and how to keep up with all the action.
HOW CAN YOU WATCH AND FOLLOW THE GAME?
Our meeting with Carlo Ancelotti’s side is taking place at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, with kick-off set for 19:30 local time on 26 July (01:30 BST on 27 July).
Remember, MUTV is the only place to watch all of our pre-season fixtures this summer.
You can watch Real Madrid v United live via MUTV, our United App and ManUtd.com, with exclusive pre and post-match access to the manager and squad.
The full 90 minutes and highlights videos will also be available on demand via MUTV.
TICKET INFORMATION
Fans wishing to attend the match in Houston can still secure tickets via Ticketmaster here.
WHAT'S THE TEAM NEWS?
Erik ten Hag will look to field a strong side, with 31 players part of the squad taken to the States, and these were supplemented by younger charges and Jonny Evans for the friendly with Wrexham in San Diego.
Anthony Martial has returned to training and could make his first appearance of the pre-season, while Amad sustained an injury against Arsenal, although it is not thought to be as bad as initially feared.
Los Blancos secured the signing of England international Jude Bellingham from German side Borussia Dortmund in June, while Spanish striker Joselu has joined on a season-long loan.
Madrid also re-signed left-back Fran García from Rayo Vallecano after triggering his buy-back clause. Attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz has also returned to the Bernabeu after spending three seasons on loan at AC Milan.
Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema and Mariano Diaz have all departed Real this summer.
PAST MEETINGS
This is our first meeting in the United States with Real since the 2014 encounter at the Big House in Michigan, in front of a record 109,318 attendance.
The Reds won 3-1 thanks to goals from Ashley Young (2) and Javier Hernandez, with Gareth Bale scoring for Madrid.
Our last competitive meeting with Real was the 2017 European Super Cup final in Macedonia, when current United players Casemiro and Raphael Varane both featured for Los Blancos.
The Spanish side won 2-1, with Casemiro opening the scoring for Real. Isco doubled the lead in the second half before Romelu Lukaku pulled a goal back.
July’s meeting with Madrid offers Casemiro and Varane the opportunity to come up against their former club for the first time.
Pre-season 2023 is almost here! Be there – secure your tickets now. Can’t be there? Watch every minute of the action and get behind-the-scenes access, only on MUTV.