Rangers will return to Murrayfield for the first time in seven years for a glamour friendly with Manchester United this summer.
A total of 14k Rangers fans famously descended on the home of Scottish Rugby back in October 2017 whilst Hearts were renovating the Tynecastle main stand.
Now, Rangers will hope to take even more fans to the 67k seater stadium in Edinburgh when the club welcomes Manchester United on Saturday, July 20th.
And – because of planned renovation works at Ibrox Stadium and the Copland Road stand – it could be the only chance Rangers fans get to see their heroes in action this summer.
When is Rangers v Manchester United friendly?
Rangers will play Manchester United in a pre-season friendly clash at 4pm on Saturday July 20th at the 67k seater Murrayfield Stadium.
The match will form part of Rangers’ pre-season preparations and will be a firm test of the club’s credentials heading into the new campaign.
In the club’s official statement, Rangers claim they were “invited” to play the friendly with Manchester United whilst due to the planned works the match “may be the only opportunity to watch Rangers live in Scotland this pre-season”.
Previous meetings: Rangers v Man United
Rangers have got previous with Manchester United over the years and since the turn of the century have drawn the famous Old Trafford club twice in the Champions League.
First drawing each other during the reign of Alex McLeish in 2003, who came up against his former Aberdeen boss Sir Alex Ferguson, United ran out 1-0 winners at Ibrox and 3-0 winners in Manchester.
Rangers also drew Manchester United in 2010 – when Walter Smith was in charge – and after a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford succumbed to a 70th Wayne Rooney penalty in a 1-0 defeat in Glasgow.
When were Rangers last at Murrayfield?
The last time Rangers played at Murrayfield was back in October 2017 when Kenny Miller netted a double, Josh Windass scored, and Kyle Lafferty netted for Hearts in a 3-1 win.
The Gers famously brought 14k supporters to Murrayfield for the match, which was taking place as Hearts revamped the Tynecastle main stand.
Remarkably, it’s in the midst of renovations that Rangers will once again return to Murrayfield with the Gers updating wheelchair spaces and a new singing section in the Copland Stand.
Speaking with the announcement, Rangers Chief Commercial Officer Karim Virani is unclear if the club will be using the stadium to play any other matches this summer.
“We are delighted to have been invited to play in this terrific fixture in July against a high-level of opposition in Manchester United,” said Karim Virani.
“Our supporters have fond memories of our one previous trip to Murrayfield, and I am sure will enjoy a fantastic day in the Capital in the summer at what is an excellent venue.
“For the club, while most-importantly it will give us an excellent preparation game for Philippe’s men’s first-team squad, it will also give us terrific exposure with the game set to be shown all over the world.
“We are very much looking forward to this game, and will confirm the remainder of our pre-season plans for this summer in due course.”
Ex-Rangers and Manchester United players
There are a few links between Rangers and Manchester United over the years, probably most strongly through ex-Ibrox striker and boyhood fan Sir Alex Ferguson.
Recently gifted a membership of Eintracht Frankfurt for life, Sir Alex enjoyed a fractured relationship with Rangers but has always attributed his understanding of standards to the Ibrox club.
Walter Smith briefly served as Sir Alex’s assistant at Manchester United and famously taught Cristiano Ronaldo a lesson in teamwork.
Russian winger Andrei Kanchelskis played for both clubs, as did legendary Rangers goalkeeper Andy Goram and one-time Ibrox loanee Phil Bardsley.
As for the current crop, Jack Butland spent last season on loan at Manchester United whilst Tom Lawrence came through the club’s youth ranks.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo – who we suspect will be quite excited about the news – will also return to Scotland to face Rangers after a loan stint in 2022.
The youngster made a positive impression at Rangers, really enjoyed his spell in Glasgow, and recently just scored the winner v Liverpool for the Man United first team.
Rangers v Manchester United is a “special game”
Scotland’s capital city is set to be invaded by blue and red supporters from across the UK and it’s a tantalising prospect for one ex-Rangers skipper.
Lee McCulloch joined ex-Manchester United defender Wes Brown in promoting the game and spoke to PLZ Soccer about the friendly.
Recalling his time with Rangers facing off against the Red Devils, McCulloch reckons that the atmosphere generated between both sides will ensure a “special game” in July.
“Firstly I think it’ll be a tremendous occasion in an unreal stadium,” said McCulloch. “My memories playing against Manchester United were probably in the Champions League.
“I think in the away game first, a 0-0 draw, fantastic atmosphere in another great stadium and then back to Ibrox.
“We were just unlucky, I think Wayne Rooney scored about the 70th minute with a penalty to win the game but again the atmosphere at Ibrox was bouncing.
“And that’s why I think this is going to be such a special game. I think the atmosphere and the event on the day is going to be really, really positive.”
Man United icon ready for “Battle of the British”
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown was also doing the promotion for the game, and branded the tie the Battle of the British.
The defender has spoken about his memories of Rangers playing the Old Trafford club and he’s expressed his delight “that we’re finally getting the battle back on”.
“I played the home game at Old Trafford and I was a sub in the next game,” said Wes Brown. “But I just remember everyone speaking about the rivalry.
“The Battle of the British and obviously how good Rangers were as well. It was a massive game for us and Rangers at the time and it’s good that we’re finally getting the battle back on.”
Rangers fans now look forward to an exciting glamour friendly and day out against Manchester United at Murrayfield on Saturday 20th July.
Ticketing arrangements will be emailed to season ticket holders and MyGers members in due course, with a public sale to follow.
