109,000 fans to watch Man United-Madrid clash today
Manche-ster United's Internat-ional Champions Cup clash with European champions, Real Madrid, today is expected to provide the largest crowd ever for a football match in America.
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The ‘Big House’ stadium in Michigan is expected to welcome 109,000 fans, and is the largest ground in the United States.
Fitting then that such a crowd should be entertained by some of the world’s best players from two of the most iconic clubs on the planet. If America doesn’t ‘get’ football after this, it arguably never will.
While many Americans will struggle to tell their Rooneys from their Ronaldos, the one thing they are sure to understand is money.
Forbes, the esteemed American business magazine, has published a top 10 of the world’s most valuable clubs, with United and Real occupying two of the top three spots.
The European champions lead with an estimated total value of £2.04billion, but United are not far behind with £1.71bn. Sandwiched in the middle are Barcelona at £1.9bn.
But for all their spending, Real cannot make the final of the tournament on Monday no matter the result against United.
Louis van Gaal’s side lead Group A and could face either Manchester City or Liverpool in the final in Miami.
United won on penalties against Inter Milan in Washington DC after beating Roma 3-2 in Denver.
Roma and Inter both have three points after two games, while Madrid's defeat by Roma last Tuesday ended their hopes of qualifying for the final.
Liverpool lead Group B, one point ahead of Manchester City. Greek side Olympiacos, who are also in contention to make the final, follow with three points, while AC Milan are yet to get off the mark.
The Red Devils have enjoyed large support during their tour.
— Dailymail