Manchester Derby Headed to Beijing This Summer

By Oscar Holland

Manchester United confirmed that they will face Manchester City in China this summer, in one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in world football.

No dates in United’s eight-day pre-season tour have been finalized, but it is understood that the historic grudge match will take place in Beijing at the end of July.

With both teams set for disappointing finishes in this season's English Premier League, this fixture may prove an important step in attempts to rebuild ahead of 2016-17. It will mark one of the first games in charge for incoming City boss, Pep Guardiola, and Beijing fans may also get an early look at former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who has long been linked with a move to the Reds this summer.

Having spent the last two summer tours in the US, United’s return resumes a long-standing tradition of tours to Asia, where they have huge numbers of supporters. The club has an estimated 107 million fans in China.

In a press statement, Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, said: “Manchester United has strong historical links with China and we are very proud of our relationship and of our fans throughout the country.

“A total of almost 500,000 supporters have attended previous games during our visits to China and we have always enjoyed exceptional support in the country, so naturally it is something that everybody is very much looking forward to this summer.”

Rivals City will be making their first trip to the country since a Chinese consortium bought a 13 percent stake in the club in December 2015.

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