Manchester United change pre-season plans after losing FA Cup final

Manchester United are set to play two friendlies in the space of two days on the final weekend of their pre-season schedule.

Erik ten Hag wanted to arrange two friendlies for the weekend before United’s first game of the new Premier League season to ensure that as many of his squad as possible are match-fit heading into the new campaign.

The Manchester Evening News understands United are set to face a side in Dublin on August 5 before facing Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford on August 6.

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Had United won the FA Cup final, they would have contested the Community Shield on August 6, but that game will now be played between Manchester City and Premier League runners-up Arsenal, allowing United to pencil in two extra friendlies on the eve of the new season.

It will be the second year in a row that United will end their summer schedule by playing two first-team matches across one weekend.

Last year, United played their strongest side against Atletico Madrid in Oslo on the Saturday before the season began and used a rotated team against Rayo Vallecano the following day.

United's pre-season tour of the US seems them play Arsenal in New York on July 22, Real Madrid in Houston on July 26, and Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas on July 30. An academy side will take on Wrexham in San Diego on July 25.

Before the US tour kicks off United face Leeds in Oslo on July 12 and Lyon in Edinburgh on July 19.

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