Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Manchester United: 10 Bold Predictions

Wayne Rooney (l) and Juan Mata (r) arrive in Beverly Hills prior to their July 23rd contest against the LA Galaxy and Guinness International Champions Cup matches in Denver, Washington D.C. and Ann Arbor

Photo Credit: Manchester United

A new face as manager, a new state of purpose, a new frame of mind. Louis van Gaal is now the boss at Manchester United, and on Wednesday, July 23, his Red Devils will look for its own rebirth when they face Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy in the Chevrolet FC Cup. Last season, Man United finished 19-7-12 (64 points), good enough for seventh place in the Premier League. The record cost David Moyes his job with Man U, and the former Netherlands, Bayern Munich and AZ Alkmaar boss is now at the helm.

As for the Galaxy, it’s been an average year for LA. In Major League Soccer this season, Los Angeles have a record of 7-4-6 (27 points), good enough for fourth place in the MLS Western Conference. With the league-leading Seattle Sounders coming up this coming Monday on the road, the Galaxy will look to fine-tune their game against a side looking to fine-tune their identity as one of the most accomplished club teams in world football.

Kickoff at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for this Wednesday’s friendly between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Manchester United.

1. At least 35 fouls, under five cards

As this is a friendly, the action will be intense, but there won’t be too much referee intervention. At least, the MLS Multiplex hopes so. We are boldly predicting for at least 35 fouls whistled but under five cards issued.

2. Robbie Keane will score for Los Angeles

A longtime veteran of the Premier League, Robbie Keane knows how to score goals against the best sides in England. He will be the only goalscorer the Galaxy against Manchester United, who are stacked with some of the best to play the game, as you will see below.

3. Under five saves from Jaime Penedo

This is something Jaime Penedo dreams of: making saves against the mighty Manchester United. It won’t be a field night for him, though: the MLS Multiplex is calling for under five saves for Penedo in this game.

4. David De Gea with at least five saves

Man United goalkeeper David De Gea was a fixture for the Red Devils last season, with 37 league appearances along with other appearances in international club competitions. Against the Galaxy, De Gea will make at least five saves on Los Angeles.

5. Wayne Rooney will score

Last season, Wayne Rooney had 17 league goals to lead Manchester United. Against the Galaxy, Rooney will show his class with at least a goal to show for it.