- Manchester United to call Perth home during pre-season tour in July 2019
- Two matches in four days at Optus Stadium against English rivals Leeds United and Perth Glory
- Made possible by McGowan Government's $425 million commitment to Tourism WA for events and marketing
For the first time in more than 40 years, one of the most successful and most famous football clubs in the world will head to Perth next July to play two matches at Optus Stadium.
Manchester United Football Club will bring their entire squad to Western Australia in July 2019 and train in the State, as part of the team's preparation for the 2019-20 season.
The team will play two friendly matches and host training clinics. There will also be a program of activities for fans, including an open training session and functions with club legends, as well as a day out in the Swan Valley, dinner and a corporate golf day.
The first match will be against the current A-League ladder leaders Perth Glory on Saturday July 13, 2019. In the second game, the Red Devils will take on traditional rivals Leeds United on Wednesday July 17, 2019.
Manchester United has one of the world's biggest supporter bases with up to 659 million fans across the globe, and thousands are expected to descend on Perth to be a part of the club's visit. The club also has a strong global social media reach with more than 114.1 million followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter combined.
Manchester United's trip to Perth is also expected to generate extensive media coverage and publicity for the State.
Fans are encouraged to register for the pre-sale on November 28, with details available at http://www.unitedinperth.com. General admission tickets will be on sale from November 29. Fans will be able to buy one or two ticket packages, plus other activities including the golf day and supporter event in the Swan Valley with Manchester United players and legends.
Manchester United's trip to Western Australia is supported by the State Government, through Tourism Western Australia and VenuesWest and Optus Stadium operator, VenuesLive.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Manchester United are one of the biggest and most respected sporting clubs in the world, and I look forward to welcoming them to Western Australia next July when they take on rivals Leeds United and our own Perth Glory.
"Not only will the matches attract thousands of visitors to the State and generate a lot of publicity for us, the extended program of activities such as the golf day and Swan Valley experience will give people more reasons to come and stay for the duration of the team's visit."
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"The McGowan Government is serious about growing WA's tourism industry, and supporting events such as Manchester United's matches and visit to Perth will help us achieve that goal.
"Events like this give people a reason to travel to Western Australia and help fill our hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes as well as create jobs.
"We'd like to see thousands of people travel from interstate and overseas for both games and then take the opportunity to explore our extraordinary State.
"Perth boasts some of the best hotels in Australia, with more than 3,000 new rooms opening in the past few years. It is also the perfect launching pad to visit our spectacular regions."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"Manchester United's visit will be a huge moment for sport in Western Australia and reflects just how successful Optus Stadium's opening year has been.
"Leeds United remain one of English football's most popular clubs, following a long history battling it out for top honours in the UK and Europe.
"Manchester United and Leeds United retain a strong rivalry and it is a real coup for Western Australia that we will be able to reignite that rivalry at Optus Stadium next year."
