Premier League stance on USA hosting top flight games on back of Manchester United tour success

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has refuted suggestions competitive fixtures are close to being played in America, despite opening a new office in New York.

During pre-season, Manchester United toured America facing Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in front of huge crowds. United were joined Stateside by a host of other Premier League clubs including; Chelsea, Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Aston Villa. While Manchester City toured Asia this year, they were also in the US last summer.

The popularity of the Premier League in the States has led to some speculation that league games could be played in America, taking a leaf out of NFL and MLB's playbook by hosting competitive matches across the pond. However, Masters told journalists this week the idea was not currently in the offing.

Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here

ALSO READ: United sign off 'holy cow' US tour

As reported by The Athletic, he said: "Akash Jain is our new managing director for the US - he’s employee number one and there will be more. His job is to help continue to grow soccer, which is their fourth sport, and to grow the Premier League and help to get more fans. They’re watching on NBC, who are doing a fantastic job as broadcasters in the US.

"It was really reaffirming being in the US this summer for the Premier League Summer Series, when we sold 270,000 tickets across the games and three of them were sold out. It felt really very different.

"The Premier League has come away from being a niche interest, as it was a decade ago. Now it feels mainstream and he (Jain) is there really to take advantage of