Two of the most illustrious clubs in world football go head-to-head for the second time this summer. Man Utd will be hoping for a similar result they had in their summer tour, 1-1 with United winning on penalties. The game is being played at 7.45 BST in Macedonia in 38-degree heat. UEFA have confirmed that there will be water breaks in order to ensure the players are not dehydrated.
Do you remember who the Real Madrid manager was the last time United played Real in a competitive game?
Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho was in the opposite dugout to the one he is currently occupying, with Real Madrid running out 3-2 winners on aggregate in 2013. A 1-1 draw in February, 2013 in the Bernabéu provided United with great encouragement for the return leg in Old Trafford. United took the lead due to Ramos own goal in the 48th the minute to give United the lead, however the game changed in the 56th minute. Luis Nani went after a high ball and left his studs imprinted on Alvaro Arbeloa’s chest. To be fair to the Portuguese international, he only had eyes for the ball and could have been given a yellow card, the referee decided it was a reckless challenge. Mourinho then brought on Luka Modric, who started to overrun the 10-man United team with his exquisite passing and got the equaliser before Ronaldo, who has been flirting with a return to OT since he left, got the winner. Although United didn’t go further in the Champions League, they did go on and win the Premier League in Sir Alex’s final season as United boss.
Early team news as follows:
Man Utd:
Matic is not ready for 90 mins, Mourinho has confirmed he will not start.
Predicted XI – 4-5-1
De Ge, Valencia, Lindelof, Smalling, Blind, Mkyitaryan, Pogba, Herrera, Carrick, Martial, Lakaku
Real Madrid:
Ronaldo & Bale both in the squad however both are not 100% fit.
Predicted XI – 4-3-3
Navas, Carvajal, Ramos, Vallejo, Marcelo, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Lucas Vazquez, Benzema
Predicted Score line – Real Madrid 2-1 Man Utd, Los Blancos will have too much firepower from the bench.
Look out for our UEFA Super Cup Match Report!