Manchester United to play two 2019 pre-season games in Australia

LONDON -- English Premier League giant Manchester United announced on Tuesday that they will play Perth Glory and Leeds United as part of its 2019 pre-season tour.

The two fixtures, the first of United's 2019 tour schedule to be announced, will take place at the Optus Stadium, Perth, with the club taking on Perth Glory on Saturday, July 13, and Leeds United on Wednesday, July 17.

This will be only the fifth visit the club has made to Australia, the first being in 1967 when they toured Australia, playing eight friendly matches. The last time Manchester United visited Perth was in 1975. The match against Leeds United will be the first time the old rivals have met since 2011.

Manchester United's Executive Vice Chairman, Ed Woodward, said: "After what will be a 44-year absence since we last played in Perth, we are delighted to be returning to Western Australia to play not just one, but two games against Perth Glory and Leeds United. As well as preparing for the season ahead, the club will also have the opportunity to engage with our loyal fans in Australia, who last got the chance to see us play in Sydney in 2013."