Manchester United plays Real Madrid for UEFA Super Cup tonight
Jose Mourinho has already started the mind games, claiming he would be interested in Gareth Bale if Zinedine Zidane cannot find a place for him in his line-up.
There was also the thinly-veiled shots delivered from Sergio Ramos concerning his former manager.
Mourinho has looked to take the pressure off his side by insisting there is a big gap between the two-time reigning European champions and the Europa League holders.
Romelu Lukaku will make his competitive debut for the club after his £75m move from Everton.
Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic could also feature, though Phil Jones is suspended after verbally abusing an official after the final against Ajax last season.
Cristiano Ronaldo is on his way to 100 European goals for Los Blancos and after a summer break, should quickly return to peak condition ahead of the La Liga opener on August 20.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.
- Libya’s HCS invites applicants for key state roles - December 31, 2023
- UK calls on Iran to prevent escalation in Israel-Hamas conflict - November 05, 2023
- Libyan Interior Minister: Immigrant shelter costs a fortune - November 05, 2023