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Manchester United back to the US again with ‘The Unmissable Tour’

By Dan Cunningham

Jul 21, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Referees lead Manchester United and San Jose Earthquakes onto the field before the game at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Referees lead Manchester United and San Jose Earthquakes onto the field before the game at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Manchester United know how to tour the US. This year they are back, and they are pitching it as ‘The Unmissable’ one. So is it?

Well their last visit in 2015 saw 68,000 fans pack out Levi’s Stadium to watch a 3-1 win over Barcelona. That came 12 months after setting the largest attendance record for a soccer game in the United States when they played Real Madrid in the Michigan Stadium.

Again a 3-1 United score line. That was watched by 109, 318. So whether or not it is unmissable, Man United definitely know how to draw in the fans.

What to expect from ‘The Unmissable’?

This year’s line up is elite and takes them to four cities across the country. Kicking things off against MLS opposition first, with a game against the Galaxy in California on July 15, followed by Real Salt Lake on July 17 in Sandy, Utah.

Then the International Champions Cup begins. This brings match-ups against city rivals Manchester City on July 20, before taking on both Real Madrid (in California on July 23) and Barcelona (on July 26 at Washington DC’s FedEx Field).

Speaking at the official launch of the ICC, Sir Alex Ferguson gave his point of view on how tours of the US have changed over time for Man United:

"“Many years ago our pre-season (was) a gentle build-up… but when we went to the States, it became more serious. The difference is we can’t afford to lose to Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City or Milan. The expectation is too big, and that’s why you always get the full product when Manchester United play in these games”."

This will be United’s 16th time touring the US dating back to 1950. For a taste of what to expect and details of where to catch them, check out their previous tour video here.

But United’s tour is only one part of this equation.

This is about The International Champions Cup (ICC)

Since 2013, the ICC has become a key fixture in the global football calendar, and 2017 marks the fifth consecutive year Europe’s elite have been brought to the US.

As well as two of the most iconic derbies in sports: the El Clásico which will take place in Miami (it’s first time being played outside of Spain since 1982) and the Manchester Derby. Tottenham, PSG, Roma and Juventus complete a world class ICC line up for 2017.

Next: USMNT: Now a US citizen, does Dom Dwyer make it onto the USMNT roster?

Just to put that into context, with the current champions of three domestic leagues, the eight teams have six of the last ten UEFA Champions League titles between them.

So far, nine cities are scheduled to be part of the experience, with others still to be added. This is one not to be missed. Mark down July 19-30 in your calendars.

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