Manchester United and Liverpool lock horns on Saturday in South Carolina as the bitter rivals square off Stateside in a preseason friendly.
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Manchester United have had a mixed preseason so far, with Erik ten Hag already having to contend with injury issues to two important players. New signing Leny Yoro suffered a foot injury in their 2-1 defeat against Arsenal in California last week and will be out for three months, while Rasmus Hojlund scored United’s goal in that game but then also went off injured and will be missing for six weeks. Marcus Rashford and Antony were also injured in the 3-2 win against Real Betis in San Diego ahead of this game. Aside from that the likes of Amad Diallo and Jadon Sancho have been getting plenty of minutes.
Arne Slot is slowly bedding in his new philosophy as Liverpool manager. This is the third game of their U.S. preseason tour, as they beat Real Betis 1-0 in Pittsburgh and then won 2-1 against Arsenal in Philadelphia. Plenty of superstars are still yet to join up with Slot’s squad due to their extended break after a busy summer of international action, but Mohamed Salah scored a typically calm finish against Arsenal, has a fresh look and he’s looked sharp in preseason.
The Match-Up
Kick off: 7:30pm ET, Saturday (August 3) Stadium: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina TV channel: ESPN Online: ESPN+
United have gradually been getting more starters back for preseason with Lisandro Martinez back in training, while Antony, Christian Eriksen, Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay have all featured in the U.S. and the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot, plus new signing Joshua Zirkzee, should all return to soon. Victor Lindelof is also fit and available. Yoro and Hojlund are out injured, while Rashford and Antony are doubts.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are yet to link-up with Liverpool after international action, while Diogo Jota is back and started in the win against Arsenal. Ibrahima Konate is also back in contention and Fabio Carvalho scored against Arsenal and is taking his chance back at Liverpool after impressing on loan at Hull City in the Championship last season.
Given the amount of games they’ve had it seems like United are slightly ahead in their preseason preparations but injuries will impact them and this should be a tight encounter. Expect Liverpool’s attacking quality, especially Salah, to cause plenty of problems on the counter. Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool.
The Story Behind the Match
The improbable pairing of these two Premier League giants on a college football field in South Carolina is a tale that started during the pandemic. The University of South Carolina, seeking to diversify revenue streams and bring exciting events to Columbia, seized the opportunity presented by TEG, a live events promotion company. With a history of hosting major events around the world, TEG saw the potential in college stadiums and the passionate fanbase they attract. This led to the unique match-up between Manchester United and Liverpool, culminating in a sold-out event at Williams-Brice Stadium.
From Weights Room to Williams-Brice Stadium
The journey began with a visit from Liverpool staff to Columbia, where they were impressed by the University's facilities. It was a charm offensive that resulted in an unlikely partnership, with the University of South Carolina agreeing to host the match. The event became a major undertaking, requiring extensive preparations and collaboration between the university, TEG, and the two soccer teams.
More Than Just a Match
This event has been a major boost for the city of Columbia and the state of South Carolina. The match has generated significant economic benefits for the area, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses enjoying a surge in activity. The match also brought international attention to Columbia, showcasing the city’s potential for hosting large-scale events.
A Growing Interest in Soccer
The match has also highlighted the increasing popularity of soccer in the United States. While college football remains a dominant sport, the growing interest in soccer is evident in the record-breaking ticket sales for this game. Fans are drawn to the spectacle of these two legendary clubs, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
The Legacy of the Match
The match between Manchester United and Liverpool in Columbia, South Carolina, is a testament to the power of sport and the potential for unexpected partnerships. It is a reminder that big events can happen in unexpected places, and that the passion for soccer is constantly evolving, extending its reach beyond traditional soccer hotbeds. This match is likely to be just the beginning for the University of South Carolina, as they continue to explore opportunities to bring exciting events to Columbia and beyond.
What's Next for Columbia?
The success of this event is likely to inspire more major soccer matches in the United States. With a growing demand for high-quality entertainment experiences and a dedicated fanbase, college stadiums are well-positioned to become more prominent venues for major soccer events. As the sport continues to grow, we can expect to see more unlikely matchups, creating unique and memorable experiences for fans across the country.
