Manchester United stars call for annual EPL match in Melbourne
After playing their first of two Melbourne exhibition matches, the Red Devils have revealed what they think of their travels Down Under — and whether Victoria should host more EPL games.
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Manchester United stars have called for an annual English Premier League match in Melbourne on the back of their successful tour of Australia’s sporting capital.
A crowd of more than 80,000 fans is expected at the MCG to see United play Crystal Palace on Tuesday night, days after more than 74,000 packed the ground to see the Red Devils take on Melbourne Victory.
Buoyed by the support of Melbourne crowds turning out in force, United players told the Herald Sun an EPL game or series should become an annual fixture.
Forward Marcus Rashford said Melbourne had “been lovely’’ and it made sense to bring some of the best soccer players on earth Down Under regularly.
“It’s a nice place and we’ve enjoyed it,’’ he said.
“The facilities have been good, the stadium has been nice, the fans have been supportive and there has been an atmosphere everywhere that we go.
“So if it was possible, I’d say yeah. Bring some more games here.’’
Asked if an EPL match should be played in Melbourne annually, United midfielder Scott McTominay said: “Yeah, of course.”
“The fans are crazy, they are more than capable with the fan capacity in stadiums to host some more games,’’ he said.
“We are just so blessed and excited to have this many people who support us and we are so grateful.’’
England international Luke Shaw said: “Hopefully we will come back.’’
If not United, Red Devil Bruno Fernandez said other big clubs should make Melbourne a regular port of call.
“Obviously there are so many countries and places that want to see us and it’s good for us to go to different places,’’ he said.
“But Melbourne has been really nice for us, the stadium was amazing so we expect the same for the next game.’’
An annual soccer showpiece could also be a win for state finances.
Fans have flocked to Melbourne from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth as well as Asia and New Zealand for United’s Melbourne matches in a much-needed boost to hotels, pubs, restaurants and shops.
A state government spokesman said: “We’re Australia’s major events capital and hosting the biggest global sporting events delivers a major boost to the economy.”
South London EPL outfit Crystal Palace on Monday drew thousands of fans to an open training session at the MCG, ahead of its Tuesday night blockbuster against United.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita said it was “a different experience” at the ’G.
United and England left back Shaw, who has played on some of the world’s biggest sporting stages, said Melbourne had something special in the MCG.
“To go there and experience it, play in front of the fans and see how many there were, we are lucky to be able to do it again,’’ he said.
“Hopefully they turn out in big numbers again on Tuesday.’’
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