Manchester United's friendly to go ahead despite heavy rain in Perth

Red Devils to take on Aston Villa at Optus Stadium on Saturday

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Ground staff attempt to dry the water logged pitch before the Pre-Season Friendly match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Optus Stadium on July 23, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell / Getty Images)

Ground staff attempt to dry the water-logged pitch at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia. Getty

Manchester United player Zidane Iqbal dribbles the ball during a training session in Perth ahead of their friendly against Aston Villa. AFP

Fred and Bruno Fernandes during a training session in Perth. AFP

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag talks to colleagues during a training session in Perth. AFP

Manchester United players Brun Fernandes talks to Amad during a training session in Perth. AFP

Manchester United player Alex Telles walks onto the pitch during a training session in Perth. AFP

Manchester United player Bruno Fernandes kicks the ball during a training session at the WACA stadium in Perth. AFP

Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Aston Villa on Saturday is all set to go ahead despite heavy rain in the Australian city of Perth.

The pitch at the Optus Stadium became waterlogged on Saturday morning following overnight showers and early thunderstorms.

Ground staff worked hard to remove surface water. Following a pitch inspection, the match referee declared the pitch to be playable, according to a Manchester United statement.

Among the players hoping to get on the field will be Manchester United captain Harry Maguire who was heavily booed by the Melbourne crowd during the opening stages of their friendly win against Crystal Palace.

After manager Erik ten Hag confirmed the defender would retain the armband, the 29-year-old was targeted by sections of the crowd in Australia and he will be hoping that changes against Villa.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper David de Gea said he hopes to remain at Manchester United and help the Premier League club end their trophy drought after a "disaster" of a season.

De Gea's contract expires in June next year and the Spaniard said he was open to signing an extension.

"If they let me stay I will stay, for sure. I'm really comfortable, happy, and hopefully before I leave we can win something more," De Gea said on Friday, adding that he had yet to open discussions about a renewal.

United endured a torrid campaign last season in which they failed to qualify for the Champions League after finishing sixth with 58 points - their lowest in the Premier League era.

The club also failed to win any silverware, extending their trophy drought to five years.

"We cannot do the same because it was a disaster," De Gea said. "It was very tough, embarrassing sometimes.

"Some games were a mess. It was painful, unacceptable. Sometimes, you have to feel pain to go up and keep going."

United beat Palace 3-1

Anthony Martial celebrates after scoring Manchester United's first goal in their 3-1 pre-season friendly win over Crystal Palace at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. EPA

Jadon Sancho scores for Manchester United. Getty

United midfielder Bruno Fernandes controls the ball. EPA

Palace substutute goalkeeper Remi Matthews makes a save. Getty

Palace defender Joel Ward, centre, is congratulated by teammates after scoring. AP

United attacker Marcus Rashford makes it 2-0 against Crystal Palace. AFP

Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta shoots at goal. EPA

Palace captain Luka Milivojevic controls the ball. AFP

United's Marcus Rashford under pressure from Palace full-back Nathaniel Clyne. AP

United's Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring. AFP

Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland is treated for a hand injury. EPA

United attacker Jadon Sancho makes it 3-0. AFP

United's Jadon Sancho celebrates with Diogo Dalot after scoring. AFP

Palace attacker Jordan Ayew is tackled by United midfielder Scott McTominay. Getty

Anthony Martial scores for United in the first half. AFP

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland in pain after saving a first-half shot from Anthony Martial. Butland was forced off due to the injury. Getty

Joel Ward heads home for Crystal Palace. Getty

Anthony Martial celebrates after scoring for Manchester United. Getty

Palace defender Joachim Andersen clears the ball. Getty

United attacker Anthony Martial scores the opening goal. AFP

Fireworks before the match at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Getty