Manchester United has been absent for the English Premier League title chase in recent years.
Last season, United slumped all way down to eighth, a club-worst finish. However, the club did capture the FA Cup title.
“It was a little bit of a disappointing season due to our league position, but to win the FA Cup, makes it feel a little bit better,” former Manchester United forward Andy Cole said.
With the team as an ambassador, Cole played at Manchester United from 1995-2001, during a time when the club won nine trophies, including five Premier League titles and the memorable 1999 season when the club captured the Treble (Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League).
Manchester United kicks off its preseason U.S. tour against Arsenal on Saturday at SoFi Stadium.
“These preseasons tours are all about getting fit,” Cole said. “The ones not involved in the Copa America or the Euros are going to have a decent (summer) break, it’s difficult working for 10 months and then only getting a three-week holiday, that’s tough at times.
“The other boys, good break, come to preseason and prepare yourself for the season ahead.”
Manchester United had eight players at the Euros and three at Copa America.
The U.S. tour will take Manchester United to San Diego on Wednesday for a game with Real Betis and then conclude Aug. 3 in South Carolina against Liverpool.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t really travel to the U.S. when I was playing,” Cole said. “We were more in Asia and the support we had was phenomenal and I think that’s (support) grown throughout the years. For me, to be able to tour and go to the U.S. with Manchester United, I’ve seen just how much (the support for) Manchester United has grown in the U.S. and football in general.
“Football is for me, personally, the world’s game. There are so many American people now really starting to get involved in football and supporting a club like Manchester United is unbelievable. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world … great history and tradition. That makes it easy for people to fall in love with the club.
Manchester United set up training camp at UCLA.
The traveling roster still includes some big names like Andre Onana, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
Christian Eriksen, Tom Heaton, Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay joined preseason late, but will be on the trip.
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Arsenal tops AFC Bournemouth on PKs in preseason game in Carson
Arsenal kicked off its tour with a win in penalty kicks against Bournemouth on Wednesday at Dignity Health Sports Park. Manchester United and Arsenal met at MetLife Stadium last summer with United winning in regulation (2-0) and via penalty kick shootout (5-3).
Fan event
Manchester United will be hosting a fanzone at COSM Los Angeles (1252 District Drive, Inglewood). Doors open at 10 a.m. There will be a live Q&A with Manchester United legends and the FA Cup trophy will be on display.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs. ARSENAL
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: SoFi Stadium
How to watch: ESPN