EXCLUSIVE: Erik ten Hag set for a Perth showdown with Steven Gerrard

Manchester United new boss Erik ten Hag will lock horns with Steven Gerrard this winter after the Red Devils confirmed a pre-season clash with Aston Villa at Perth's Optus Stadium. 

United are set to play four games during their trip to Thailand and Australia in what will be their first overseas pre-season tour since 2019. 

The Red Devils will play Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12 before heading down under to take on Melbourne Victory (July 15) and Crystal Palace (July 19) in a double header in Victoria.

Sportsmail understands that United will head west after the Palace game to take on Premier League rivals Villa at Optus Stadium on July 23. 

The Red Devils last visited Perth three years ago, beating old rivals Leeds 4-0 and Perth Glory 2-0 in front of crowds of over 50,000 spectators during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign in charge of the club. 

John Murtough, United's Football Director, said: 'We are delighted to be returning to Perth to face top-quality Premier League opposition and benefit from the first-class training facilities available to us in the city. 

'Pre-season tours are such an important part of the squad's preparation for the season ahead, and we know from past experience that Perth is an ideal destination during this crucial period.' 

United's Chief Operating Officer, Collette Roche, added: 'Our last visit to Perth three years ago was a huge success, with capacity crowds and some great football, so we can't wait to return for Tour 2022. 

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