Ok, as the football anoraks that we are, we have to admit that we love a bit of preseason action. It gives fans of Manchester United, and others, a first glimpse at some of their summer signings and a welcome return to action after the summer.
And while we understand the importance of these long distance tours in the modern world of football as big business, there has to be a balance. Because if the length and distance covered in the tour means a slow start in the league then something has to be done.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was clearly shocked by the extent of travel before last season and latest repots suggest that he has won his battle to dramatically reduce the distances covered before next season.
Mark Ogden reports in The Telegraph:
Louis van Gaal has won his battle for less-demanding pre-season tour commitments at Manchester United with the club close to finalising a two-week trip to the United States in July.
Two weeks in the supreme comfort of The States? Much more like it.
And the report also asserts that Manchester United have an agreement with Louis that his squad won’t return to England any later than August 1st, which will give them a full week of training before the league starts.
Last season, after a mind-boggling tour of the world, Manchester United lost their opening day fixture at Old Trafford to Swansea and that slow start probably cost them. Next summer they will be fresh and hungry by the opening day of the campaign and this can only help them in their quest to take their first title in 3 years.
