After an overwhelming pre-season, Manchester United would be hoping to continue their impressive form when they entertain Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.
Mourinho’s side will face a real test as they lock horns with Los Blancos in a bid to get a hands on the silverware which is the first trophy on offer for the 2017/18 season.
United had a pretty successful season as they earned the double of FA Cup and Europa League last season. Especially the Europa League journey will be remembered for the next few seasons as this was the only trophy which had eluded United since their exposure to European football.
Real Madrid became the first team to successfully defend their Champions League title as they got the better of Juventus in the final to create history. But they have looked pretty shaky recently as United have won six out of their seven pre-season matches while the Spanish giants endured a tough pre-season.
United defeated Madrid in the pre-season and Jose Mourinho will have the chance to pile more misery on his former employers.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Manchester United
Phil Jones and Eric Bailly will both miss this crucial tie as they are currently carrying a suspension. This could be Nemanja Matic’s competitive debut for the Red Devils. Jose Mourinho’s long requirement of having a desired defensive midfielder has been fulfilled at last and Matic is in the line to make a mark against Real Madrid.
Ashley Young, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo continue their rehabilitation process and will miss this game.
De Gea; Valencia, Lindelof, Smalling, Darmian; Matic, Herrera, Pogba, Mkhitaryan; Martial, Lukaku.
Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo who hasn’t featured in any of the pre-season games could make his first appearance for Los Blancos. New signing Theo Hernandez and Dani Ceballos might get some minutes as Zinedine Zidane would want to have a rough look at his squad. There is a slight fitness concern for Gareth Bale but he is expected to be fit in time.
Navas; Hernandez, Ramos, Varane, Carvajal; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema
Key Players
Anthony Martial
The French youngster has impressed in the pre-season with his bursting runs and slick skills and Mourinho would rely heavily on the player to deliver. He set up Jesse Lingard’s goal in the pre-season after getting past a number of defenders and Mourinho would be hoping he reproduces the same kind of performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo
All eyes will be on the Portuguese superstar who is going through a rough patch currently. Ronaldo hasn’t played a single match after the Confederations Cup but has made himself available to prove his loyalty to Los Blancos.
Odds
Manchester United- 14/5
