MANCHESTER UNITED’S clash with Aston Villa will go ahead despite torrential rain making the pitch “barely playable”.
Groundstaff were pictured seemingly using leaf blowers to desperately try and get rid of the excess water from the surface like giant hairdryers.
The pitch for Manchester United’s game with Aston Villa was waterlogged Credit: Getty
The pre-season friendly is taking place at the Optus Stadium in Perth Credit: Getty The two Premier League sides will kick-off in two hours’ time – at 10.45am UK time – in Perth on the west coast of Australia.
However, more downpours Down Under meant the field at the Optus Stadium was waterlogged.
Australia has suffered mass flooding throughout 2022 due to huge volumes of rainfall this year.
BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone tweeted: “Told by someone who has been down there that pitch ‘barely playable’.”
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Pre-season friendly vs Aston Villa CHAOS, Ronaldo future UPDATE An official statement then added: “After a final pitch inspection, organisers have confirmed that tonight’s match will go ahead on time with kick off as planned at 1745.”
And Erik ten Hag was not happy with the state of the playing surface – but refused to drop his high standards from his players.
He said: “It’s a wonderful stadium, it’s a pity that the pitch is not that good because our football demands a good pitch.
“But also, when the pitch is not that good you still have to deliver, so I demand a good performance from our team.”
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The drama in Perth comes just days after both Chelsea and Arsenal had matches in America delayed by storms.
Chelsea’s clash with Charlotte FC in North Carolina was pushed back by 75 minutes and Arsenal vs Orlando in Florida by 60 minutes.
Fans who were already sitting in the Exploria Stadium and Bank of America Stadium were told to leave their seats and seek emergency shelter.
The Red Devils will take on Steven Gerrard’s side in their final match of their pre-season tour in Australia which has featured wins over Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.
Erik ten Hag’s side face Atletico Madrid a week today then Rayo Vallecano next Sunday before kicking off their NEW Premier League campaign against Brighton on August 7.
Harry Maguire grabbed a rain coat to train in the rain earlier this week Credit: The Mega Agency Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
