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Manchester United confirm final friendly ahead of 2023-24 campaign

Man United confirm final friendly ahead of 2023-24 campaign
© Reuters
Manchester United confirm that their final pre-season match of the summer will take place against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin on August 6.

Manchester United have confirmed that their final pre-season match ahead of the 2023-24 campaign will take place against La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao in Dublin on August 6.

The Red Devils currently have seven friendlies in their diary for the summer, starting their preparations for the new season against Leeds United in Oslo on July 12.

Man United will then face French side Lyon in Edinburgh on July 19 before travelling to the United States for their pre-season tour, which will see them take on Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

The 20-time English champions will then head back to Europe for their final friendly, with Athletic being confirmed as their opponents on August 6.

Man United's football director John Murtough has said that the match will provide "a great opportunity to gain fitness and playing time" before the start of the new season.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag before the match on May 4, 2023© Reuters

"United has such strong connections with Ireland, being the birthplace of great players such as George Best, Roy Keane and, of course, Denis Irwin. We know how passionate our Irish supporters are and it's a pleasure to be able to bring this game to Dublin," Murtough said in a statement.

"After returning from tour in the US, Erik and the team will be eager to put the finishing touches on their preparations for the new season.

"A game against high-quality La Liga opposition, such as Athletic Bilbao, will be a great opportunity to gain fitness and playing time before the start of the 2023/24 campaign, as well as providing entertainment for our Irish fans."

Man United finished their 2022-23 season with a 2-1 defeat to treble winners Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3.

Bruno Fernandes scores for Manchester United against Manchester City on June 3, 2023© Reuters

A successful campaign saw the Red Devils win the EFL Cup, though, in addition to finishing third in the Premier League, which will see them return to the Champions League for next season.

The club are expected to be active during this summer's transfer window, with a new centre-forward believed to be a priority, while a central midfielder is also expected to arrive.

Man United's first signing of the summer could potentially be Kim Min-jae, though, with the central defender thought to be heading to Old Trafford from Napoli at the start of July.

The Red Devils will also sign at least one new goalkeeper in the current market, while two will arrive if David de Gea does not sign a new deal, with his terms due to expire at the end of the month.

Manchester United's pre-season friendlies:

July 12 vs. Leeds United
July 19 vs. Lyon
July 22 vs. Arsenal (US tour)
July 26 vs. Wrexham (US tour)
July 27 vs. Real Madrid (US tour)
July 31 vs. Borussia Dortmund (US tour)
August 6 vs. Athletic Bilbao

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Written by
Matt Law

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