Manchester United’s under-21 side will take on Real Madrid in the Premier League International Cup.
A night under the lights at Old Trafford for a knockout against Real Madrid? These don’t come around for Manchester United very often these days.
Without any European football for the first team in 2025/26, it is up to the under-21 side to fly the flag.
United’s youngsters are into the quarter-finals of the Premier League International Cup, with a fixture date against Real Madrid now set.
Manchester United U21 v Chelsea U21: Premier League 2
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd U21 vs Real Madrid U21: The details
Date: Tuesday April 7
Kick-off time: 7pm
Stadium: Old Trafford
Broadcast: MUTV
United supporters can purchase tickets for the fixture via the club’s official site.
What is the Premier League International Cup?
The Premier League International Cup was created in 2014/15 as part of a commitment from the league to boost the exposure of young players to facing teams from different leagues. The aim was to better prepare them for the challenges of first team football.
When the tournament launched it was made up of 16 teams, and since expanded to 24 clubs, and now 32.
The tournament begins with group stages, in which Premier League clubs are only drawn against foreign teams.
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The 2024/25 tournament was won by Nottingham Forest, who defeated Lyon in the final. Crystal Palace won it the previous season.
Manchester United have never progressed past the group stage, until this current season.
How Man Utd reached the quarter-finals
Manchester United’s under-21s won all three group stage matches to reach the quarter-finals and set up a tie with Real Madrid.
2-1 win vs Athletic Club: Goals: James Scanlon, Gabriele Biancheri.
2-0 win vs Borussia Dortmund: Goals: Gabriele Biancheri x2
3-2 win vs Sporting: Goals: James Scanlon x 3
United’s seven goals in the competition this season have all been scored by James Scanlon (4) and Gabriele Biancheri (3).
Both players will be unavailable to face Real Madrid as they were both sent out on loan to Football League clubs in the January transfer window.
This provides a chance for teammates to step up.
Jayce Fitzgerald, Tyler Fredricson, Chido Obi and Jack Fletcher have all provided assists in the competition so far, and all remain available for selection.
United will also have a new coach for the fixture with Adam Lawrence taking over from Travis Binnion, who has stepped up to coach with the first team.
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