Manchester United's US pre-season strategy this summer has been significantly adjusted compared to last year, with the aim of avoiding an over-intensive schedule that negatively affects players' form. According to the Daily Mail, United have reduced the number of games, from eight last year to six, and optimized their schedule to reduce long-distance travel. The players are expected to arrive in Los Angeles later on Wednesday, taking solace in the fact that they won't have to go through the long journey after the match against Real Madrid as they did last year, a trip that was seen as a potential trigger for last season's injury problems.
However, United's trip to the United States was not a smooth one. The journalists accompanying the team suffered from lost or delayed baggage on arrival in the US, with half of them failing to retrieve their bags within two days and having to do some emergency shopping to meet their basic needs. The luggage problems were mainly centered on the transfer from Manchester to Heathrow, and although the journalists traveled to California on a different airline, their luggage was left stranded in London, causing a lot of problems for the reporting work.
In terms of the playing squad, United will be without six first-team players for the trip to the United States, including Maynu, who is on an extended vacation due to his participation in the UEFA Europa League and Copa America, Luke Shaw, Zirker Zee, Lisandro Martinez, Ganacho, and Pellistri. Nonetheless, United will still feature a strong squad with players including new signing Lenny Yorro set to take part in the tour in preparation for the upcoming season.
In terms of ticket sales, Manchester United v Arsenal tickets are selling like hotcakes, with the most expensive seats priced at £520 and expected to sell out soon. The match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles attracted a huge number of fans, showing the huge influence of Premier League teams in the US. In contrast, ticket sales for Arsenal's match against Bournemouth have been a little less impressive, with Arsenal hoping to attract more fans to the game to boost the atmosphere.
