When Manchester United roll into town, it’s hard not to sit up and take notice.
It’s a new era for the Premier League giants under the management of highly rated Dutchman Erik ten Hag after years of mediocrity, and the club’s rebuild will continue against Melbourne Victory.
Friday night’s blockbuster showdown at the MCG will be shown far and wide across the globe, and it presents a golden opportunity for Victory.
While the occasion is not lost on Victory, the chance to go toe-to-toe with the Red Devils juggernaut is a priceless opportunity to gauge where last season’s Isuzu UTE A-League semi-finalists are at heading into the 2022-23 campaign.
Speaking to KEEPUP, Victory captain Josh Brillante said: “I think we can have a great performance against them.
“I’m not sure what they’re expecting out of us. But we’re looking to give it our all and put in a great performance.
“We’re also prepping for the season too, so it’s a great competitive match against a top-class team to see where we’re at.”
Tony Popovic’s Victory could hand a debut to their new marquee signing – Nani.
It would be a fitting unveiling after United great Nani spent eight trophy-laden years at Old Trafford, where he won four Premier League titles and the Champions League among other honours.
The United friendly is helping Victory gear up, not only for the 2022-23 A-League Men season, but the Australia Cup.
Defending Australia Cup champions Victory and ALM titleholders Western United will meet on August 3.
“We had a little break. I think we’ve had a good base and foundation under us from last season, which is great,” Brillante said.
“We have a bit of cohesion there and just building on that.
“Everyone is coming in ready for this game at the back of their minds, so we’ve hit the ground running.”
Brillante added: “It’s exciting. I’m sure it is for them as well.
“Always when you new structure and coach coming in, everyone is looking to perform and play well to cement their spot.
“They’re preparing for their season as much as we are. They aren’t going to come at us lightly, so we have to be on our game and put in a top performance.”
Friday night’s clash, while a friendly, could be a chance for World Cup hopefuls to impress Socceroos boss Graham Arnold with Qatar 2022 looming.
The ALM gets underway on October 7 before the season takes a three-week break from November 18 to December 8 while the World Cup takes place.
It means there is a small window for ALM-based players to stake their claims.
“It’s a big game but it’s not just one game that will make the difference between selection for the national team or not,” Brillante said of the Victory-United game representing an opportunity to catch the eye of Arnold.
“It’s consistently performing well and if you’re doing that, people will notice.”
