Extra Time: Manchester United land in Sweden ahead of Barcelona clash

Manchester United land in Sweden ahead of Barcelona clash

Aug 8, 2012 12:35:00 PM

With pre-season preparations drawing to a close, the Red Devils will face the Catalan giants at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg in a repeat of 2011's Champions League final

Manchester United have landed in Sweden ahead of their pre-season clash with Barcelona on Thursday evening.

While the game is not expected to be a Waterloo moment for either side due to the friendly nature of the fixture, neither side will want the game to be a 'Gimme, Gimme, Gimme' for the opposition.

Sturdy Serb Nemanja Vidic will be looking to continue his comeback from injury while Japanese 'Dancing Queen' Shinji Kagawa will hope to continue his fine summer form.

Does your mother know that you're out? | United players pose for a picture
The Red Devils round off their pre-season against Hannover on Saturday and have done well to get through their schedule without any SOS moments leaving them shouting 'Mamma Mia!'

Fringe players such as Bebe and Federico Macheda are likely to have demanded Sir Alex Ferguson to 'Take a Chance on Me' and with the game lacking 'The Winner Takes it All' feel, it is likely they could be given an opportunity.

The fixture may have been set-up with 'Money, Money, Money' in mind but it will also give players on both side's a vital warm-up against top opposition as both clubs look to regain their domestic title this season.

The name of the game | Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney enjoy a joke
United will be hoping 'Super Trouper' forward Wayne Rooney can find form ahead of the new campaign against the side he scored against in the 2011 Champions league final.

However, 'Knowing Me, Knowing You' a slow tempo and a large number of substitutions may hinder the game's competitive edge but 'I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do' hope that does not become the case.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!