When Manchester United will play Liverpool and Crystal Palace in summer pre-season friendlies

Manchester United are set to play Premier League rivals Liverpool and Crystal Palace in pre-season fixtures this summer.

The Covid-19 has prevented the club travelling abroad in pre-season for the last two seasons, and United last did so in 2019, when they journeyed to Australia and Asia.

But the easing of restrictions around the globe makes travelling possible again, and United confirmed their first three summer warm-up games on Thursday morning.

In an official statement, the club said: “Manchester United has announced the first of its Tour 2022 destinations, travelling to Bangkok, Thailand, and Melbourne, Australia.

“Marking the Club’s first visit to Bangkok since 2013, United will take on traditional rivals Liverpool in ‘The Match’ Centenary Cup on 12 July at the Rajamangala stadium in the Thai capital.

“The squad will then fly to Australia for United’s first visit to Melbourne since 1999. Fans will be able to see the Reds play at the famed Melbourne Cricket Ground against local A-League team Melbourne Victory on July 15, and against Premier League rivals Crystal Palace on 19 July.

“Manchester United’s Football Director, John Murtough, comments: ‘Pre-season tours are such an important part of the squad’s preparation for the season ahead, so it’s crucial to have excellent training facilities and high-quality opposition.

“‘We’re delighted that we’ll have both these things during our visits to Bangkok and Melbourne this summer, and we’re looking forward to playing in front of our fans in both cities for the first time in a number of years.’

Chief Operating Officer, Collette Roche, said: “It has been two years since the club has been able to travel on an international pre-season tour, so we can’t wait to get going this summer and reconnect with our fans in south-east Asia and Australasia.

“Our matches in Bangkok and Melbourne will be a wonderful opportunity for international fans to see their favourite players up-close in an exciting schedule of games’.”