Manchester United to play Man City in China in International Champions Cup

Participation of the Red Devils confirmed for pre-season tournament

Jose Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola - Manchester United vs Manchester City - it's a rivalry many are hoping will be coming to Manchester next season.

But the bitter rivalry that started in Spain when the two managers were in charge of Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively will first resume in China - if Mourinho replaces Louis van Gaal this summer.

It's been confirmed that the sides will meet at the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing as part of the International Champions Cup tournament. Manchester United's participation was confirmed today and will see them first play Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai. The game against City will be played July 25 - by which time Guardiola will have replaced current Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini. The game against Dortmund will be July 22.

The organisers of the International Champions Cup will be hoping Mourinho, who is widely expected to be installed as manager at Old Trafford, has taken the reigns by the time the fixture comes around.

Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola during their shared time in Spain (GETTY IMAGES)

The other teams involved in the pre-season tournament, which in addition to China will be played in North America, Europe, and Australia, include Premier League sides Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Leicester City. AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Celtic, Inter Milan, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also involved.