Man Utd win banter battle with Bayern as pre-season friendly is announced

Manchester United have announced that they will face Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly, with the two sides stoking the flames early with some gentle trolling of one another on social media.

Two heavyweight outfits in the European game are due to meet at the Allianz Arena on August 5.

The fixture will represent a final run out for Jose Mourinho’s men before they open their 2018-19 Premier League campaign.

It will also close a busy summer for the Red Devils, with International Champions Cup competition set to take them back to the United States.

United were already committed to meetings with Club America, San Jose Earthquakes, AC Milan, Liverpool and Real Madrid before adding Bayern to their schedule.

That contest, which comes a week before the resumption of domestic duties, will see two fierce rivals locks horns for the first time since the Champions League quarter-finals in 2014.

Bayern prevailed over David Moyes’ Red Devils on that occasion, but United still hold fond memories of a 1999 European triumph over the Germans which delivered a historic treble.

They have taken the opportunity to remind their opponents of that stunning stoppage-time victory during a social media exchange which started out friendly enough.

Bayern sought to troll United in their response, making reference of England’s rather shoddy penalty record in what is a World Cup year.

The Red Devils had the last laugh, though, as they pointed out that no spot-kicks were required to get their hands on Europe’s biggest prize some 19 years ago.

There are unlikely to be too many fireworks when the two sides cross paths again in August, with friendly dates more about preparation than results, but United are looking forward to facing the challenges awaiting them.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward told the club’s official website: “The team are facing some of the world’s toughest opponents over the course of pre-season, in top-class stadiums which will allow a significant number of our supporters to get closer to the team they love.

“The competitive feel throughout the summer programme will provide a great platform for the squad, giving them the best possible preparation ahead of the new campaign.”