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Manchester United will visit Dublin to play LaLiga side Athletic Bilbao, in their final warm-up game before the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
The match, which will be played on Sunday, August 6 at the Aviva Stadium, will provide a final opportunity for Erik ten Hag to finetune his first-team squad before the season opener, and a rare chance for fans in Dublin to see United play on Irish soil.
It will be the third time that United have played at the 51,700-capacity arena, with a 7-1 win over a League of Ireland XI in the 2010 opening game, followed by a 2-1 victory over Italian side Sampdoria six years ago.
United last faced Athletic Club in the 2012 UEFA Europa League and, before that, in the 1957 European Cup – Manchester United’s first season in European competition.
Manchester United ambassador and former Republic of Ireland full-back Denis Irwin travelled to Dublin to announce the match.
Manchester United’s football director John Murtough said: “United has such strong connections with Ireland, being the birthplace of great players such as George Best, Roy Keane and, of course, Denis Irwin. We know how passionate our Irish supporters are and it’s a pleasure to be able to bring this game to Dublin.”
“After returning from tour in the US, Erik and the team will be eager to put the finishing touches on their preparations for the new season. A game against high-quality La Liga opposition, such as Athletic Bilbao, will be a great opportunity to gain fitness and playing time before the start of the 2023/24 campaign, as well as providing entertainment for our Irish fans.”
Tickets for this match go on pre-sale to fans who have pre-registered and Manchester United Season Ticket Holders, Official Members and Executive Club Members from 14.00 BST on June 13, before going on general sale from 12.00 BST on June 15.
