Manchester United and City eyeing up money-spinning America derby in 2018 pre-season
Pep Guardiola does not fancy a more lucrative trip to China where City had bad experiences in the past
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MANCHESTER UNITED and City are interested in holding a derby abroad again – with a return to America on the cards – according to reports.
In July the pair met in the International Champions Cup with Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford securing a 2-0 United win in Houston, Texas.
Around 70,000 fans squeezed in to see the show at the NRG stadium and both clubs remain committed to growing their brand in the US.
The Guardian reports that Pep Guardiola is already involved in planning his side’s 2018 summer tour and he prefers a return to America ahead of a China trip.
Jose Mourinho wants to take United to the West Coast and base the squad in Los Angeles again.
Etihad chiefs wanted to use the next pre-season tour to crack the Asian market but Guardiola has put football above branding.
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Sub-standard facilities and harsh weather put the City boss off of a China tour and the organisers of the International Champions Cup are also unsure on the future of their friendly competition.
A long list of Premier League players – including stars at United and City – will get extended summer breaks after playing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Successful sides will still be on international duty in mid-July when last season’s tournament was taking place.
City travelled to China back in 2016 but the trip ended in farce when their proposed derby with United was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch in Beijing.