WASHINGTON D.C. – Mention Manchester and one immediately thinks of United, the British club that has won more than any other over the last 20 years. A club that one undoubtedly associates with Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils’ historic coach and figurehead. However, the season that followed his retirement did not go so smoothly, and now it is up to coach Louis van Gaal to try and bring back glory to the team.
The side the Nerazzurri face this evening started their American tour with a resounding 7-0 friendly victory over the LA Galaxy, followed by a 3-2 win against Roma in their first match of the International Champions Cup. The Dutch coach is working on implementing a three-man defence, as he used with the Netherlands national team at the World Cup, and one that he plans to make rock-solid to support a rapid attack. In short, it will be a challenging test for Mazzarri’s Inter after their penalty win over Real Madrid in Berkeley.
In addition, the new away kit will debut for the occasion. The shirt features a ribbed crew neck collar and is white with a tonal light grey graphic on the front consisting of lines which create a St George’s cross from the city of Milan’s coat of arms. Inside the back of the neck is a pennant tab featuring the proud message "Milano E’ Solo Inter" (Milan is only Inter). And tonight’s match is the perfect occasion to stress such a message.
The game will be played at FedExField, an 85,000-seat stadium that was inaugurated in 1997 as Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in honour of the legendary owner of the Washington Redskins. The Redskins still play their games in the stadium and the facilities boast many different features. Of course you have all the modern amenities such as the VIP lounge, restaurants and shops. But the ground also commonly hosts high-profile concerts such as those of U2 and Paul McCartney, just to name a few.
Now, some of Europe’s top football teams are arriving, and the fans are ready for Inter v Manchester United.
