EPL sides set to play in Perth

Manchester United are among four clubs set to play friendlies at Optus Stadium in Perth, confirmed by the state government on Thursday.

Leeds United, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace will join Manchester United down under for a massive weekend in July.

Leeds United and Crystal Palace will clash on Friday July 22 with Manchester United taking on Aston Villa the following day.

The State Government said clubs had committed to bringing full squads, giving fans the chance to watch players like Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo whose grandparents moved to WA about 20 years ago from Funchal in Madeira.

The clubs will set up “home venues” from July 18: Manchester United based at the Pica Bar, Leeds United at Gage Roads, Crystal Palace at the Leederville Hotel and Aston Villa at the Raffles Hotel.

The Red Devils’ visit will be their second high-profile trip to Perth in three years, along with Leeds United.

Pre-COVID, the State Government was working on a deal to bring Italian giant Juventus to Perth for $US5 million ($6.65m).

The football festival follows the NRL State of Origin on June 26 with the Wallabies clashing with England a week later, both at Optus.

IMAGE: Optus Sport.