Verdict: Manchester United
Best Odds: 11/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
Champions League winners Real Madrid square off with Europa League trophy holders Manchester United in a highly-anticipated UEFA Super Cup clash in Skopje. The two European giants are coming off from contrasting preseasons and we should be in for an interesting match at the Philip II Arena.
Real Madrid
UEFA Champions League winners and La Liga champions Real Madrid have not had an outstanding summer by any account. Having finished their season on a high, with the compelling 4-1 victory over Juventus, Real Madrid have suffered a significant drop in form during summer with Los Blancos failing to secure a win in 90 minutes across four preseason matches. Zinedine Zidane’s men opened the preparation period with the International Champions Cup clash against their Tuesday rivals, losing it on penalties. Consecutive defeats to Manchester City and Barcelona followed while Real Madrid wrapped the preseason with a penalty shootout victory over the MLS All-Stars. The signs are not too promising for Zinedine Zidane and his men ahead of the first competitive game of the season. Los Blancos spent entire summer without their biggest star Cristiano Ronaldo who only got back to training last week, whereas the summer went rather silent when it comes to the transfer window as well. Theo Hernandez and Dani Ceballos are the two arrivals, while Alvaro Morata, Danilo, James Rodriguez, Mariano Diaz, Diego Llorente, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao all left the club.
Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Sergio Ramos will both be in contention for the Manchester United game which comes as a huge boost for Zinedine Zidane’s team.
The French boss has no new absentees for the game in Skopje.
Manchester United
Jose Mourinho and his Manchester United side appear to be setting the optimal temperature at the perfect time ahead of the first competitive match of the season. Six wins and only one defeat during preseason is a neat record for the Premier League giants who are looking to make a big comeback to Europe’s brightest stage next summer. Having won Europa League final against Ajax, the Red Devils earned the automatic place in the Champions League and the forthcoming Super Cup clash against Real Madrid is perceived as just a perfect opportunity for Manchester United to demonstrate they still are one of the biggest and best sides in world football. Jose Mourinho has reinforced his ranks this summer with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic, thus filling the wholes nicely ahead of the new campaign. The Portuguese boss is still holding out for a signing or two before the window shuts, but it is fair to say that Mourinho already has a highly competitive side at his disposal.
Team News
Manchester United will be without influential defender Eric Bailly, but Phil Jones should deputise after United successfully appealed against his ban.
Jose Mourinho has no other selection worries and should field his strongest side with all three summer recruits expected to be fielded from the start.
Key Factors to Consider
- Man United fight for their second European Super Cup
- Jose Mourinho lost his previous two European Cups as manager
- Spanish sides won 7 of the last 8 UEFA Super Cups
- Only Barcelona and AC Milan (5) have more European Super Cup titles than Real Madrid (3)
- There’s been over 2.5 goals in 5 of the last 6 competitive meeting between the two clubs
Conclusion
Real Madrid are keen to bounce back from a sluggish summer as they lock horns with in-form Red Devils, who have a huge motivation to beat the reigning European champions and send a huge statement of intent. Jose Mourinho bolstered his ranks at key areas and the Premier League side heads into the Tuesday’s match with a clear advantage.
Verdict: Manchester United
Best Odds: 11/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
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