Manchester United snub China for USA as pre-season tour plans are announced

The Red Devils saw their fixture in Shanghai against City called off at the last minute last year

Mourinho was unimpressed with United's tour of China last year (Getty)

Manchester United have turned their back on the Far East after announcing they will head to North America on their pre-season tour ahead of their 2017/18 Premier League campaign.

Jose Mourinho’s side will play five games in five cities across the continent, including matches in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Santa Clara and Washington DC.

United, as a result, have turned their back on China and the rest of Asia this year after the chaos of last year’s tour to the Far East.

They endured a disastrous tour last summer when their game against Manchester City – scheduled to be the first meeting of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola as managers since their time in La Liga – was cancelled just hours before kick-off because of a waterlogged pitch.

Mourinho was vocal in his frustration and anger after his pre-season plans were disrupted and has always liked travelling to the States with his teams.

While chief executive Ed Woodward is believed to be open to returning to China in the future, it is unlikely to be until any time soon.

Woodward said in a statement on United’s website: “Visiting North America will give the team the best possible preparation for the new season, using top-class training facilities and playing in some great stadiums.

“We have witnessed first-hand the passion and support for the club in the US in recent years, so naturally it is something that everybody is very much looking forward to this summer.”

As well as playing MLS sides on the tour, United will are hoping to face some of Europe’s top teams as well, with Real Madrid, Manchester City and Barcelona all options.