Friday 4 April 2014

Manchester United will play Real Madrid in a friendly in Michigan as part of manager David Moyes' pre-season preparations

Manchester United and Real Madrid will play in the USA this summer. 

The friendly is part of the 2014 International Champions Cup and continues United's push to build the club's brand in the United States.

United and Real Madrid last met in the 2012-13 season, with the Spaniards winning 3-2 on aggregate in the Champions League last 16, and the teams could still play each other in this season's competition.

The match will take place at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, which is known locally as 'The Big House'.



Manchester United group managing director Richard Arnold said: "Playing such strong opposition will be great preparation for David Moyes and his team.

"This will be the team's first ever match in Michigan and playing at the iconic Big House will be a memorable experience for all involved."

About the 'Big House' 

"The Big House", the home of the University of Michigan football team, was built in 1927 at a cost of $950,000 by Fielding Yost, with an original capacity of 72,000. The field itself and most of the seating is well below the level of surrounding streets, masking the size of the stadium. The playing surface is FieldTurf, and artificial turf designed to mimic natural grass and reduce player injury by providing a softer surface. Lights were added in 2011 to allow for nighttime play; the first ever night game at the stadium was held September 10, 2011, seeing Michigan beat Notre Dame.

Size

Since completion of controversial $226 million renovation in 2010, official capacity is now 109,901, which makes it the largest football stadium in the United States, and the third-largest stadium in the world. The record for the largest-ever attendance at any college football game was set on September 7, 2013, with 115,901 on hand. The record for the largest ever attendance at any hockey game at any venue of 113,411 was set on December 11, 2010 at The Big Chill at the Big House.

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Fellaini Keen to Impress

Marouane Fellaini insists his injury-hit debut season with United has only enhanced his desire to be successful at Old Trafford.


The 26-year-old Belgian completed a deadline day transfer in August and made a steady start before undergoing surgery on a wrist injury, which forced him to miss 17 matches between 4 December and 22 February.  

Since making his comeback in the 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, Fellaini has shown signs of improvement and appears to have settled into life at the Aon Training Complex. As he recently admitted in an exclusive interview with United Review, his confidence levels are growing.

"I was injured for a while but I know I can play better for the team," Marouane said. "I feel more confident in myself now because I know the players and I know how to play in this team, which is important for me."

"When I arrived, I didn't know the players and the team at all, but now I know everybody and I am benefitting as a result. I have played well in quite a few games, so I am happy with that. I am excited about what is to come and I am determined to be successful for this club."

As Fellaini points out, it wasn't exactly ideal to watch so many matches from the stands when he was so eager to catch the eye: "Of course it was very frustrating because I was at a new club with new team-mates and I wanted to play, I wanted to win and I wanted to impress.

"I was frustrated to watch so many matches from the stands and it was difficult. But it is great to be back and I have played a lot of games recently. We have picked up some good results and have improved as a team as well, so I want to keep that going."

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David Moyes insists £27.5m signing is coming good for Manchester United

After missing out on Thiago Alcantara and Cesc Fabregas last summer, Moyes decided to boost his midfield ranks by signing Fellaini from Everton.

A few eyebrows were raised at Fellaini's price tag - especially when the midfielder was available for £4million less earlier that summer - but having worked with the Belgian for five years at Everton, Moyes was convinced he had the right man.

However, the reality is that Fellaini has struggled to live up to expectations since his move to Old Trafford.



The 26-year-old scored 32 goals for Everton, but he is yet to find the net at United while some of his passing displays have been forgettable.

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Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson secures 'long-term teaching position' at Harvard

Sir Alex Ferguson is to become a Harvard academic after agreeing to a “long-term teaching position” at the Ivy League university.

Britain’s most successful ever manager will return to the Boston institution next month to lecture senior executives from around the world, less than a year after giving its Business School an unprecedented insight in to his coaching blueprint.


The 72-year-old, who retired from management last summer after 26 years in charge of Manchester United, will begin his new role as part of a new programme entitled ‘The Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports’ in early May.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity and privilege to contribute to such a respected centre of excellence,” Ferguson said.

“The time I have already spent at Harvard has been a stimulating experience and I look forward to developing my relationship and activities with the students, faculty and friends of the Harvard Business School community.”

In 2012, Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse examined Ferguson’s management approach to develop a case study called ‘Sir Alex Ferguson: Managing Manchester United’.

Following that, she and Ferguson collaborated on an analysis of his methods, resulting in a Harvard Business Review article in October of 2013. The Scot also participated in a number of Elberse’s classes.

“We look forward to welcoming Sir Alex Ferguson on the HBS campus to share his remarkable leadership journey, and contribute to our Executive Education participants’ ability to make a profound difference in the world,” Elberse said.

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