Beijing Manchester derby cancelled due to weather

Manchester United have announced Monday’s International Champions Cup game against Manchester City in Beijing has been cancelled “due to recent weather events.”

United manager Jose Mourinho had branded the pitch at the Bird’s Nest Stadium “very bad” in the lead up to the friendly match against Pep Guardiola’s City.

Following heavy rain in Beijing, Mourinho said: “I think Beijing is unlucky because the pitch is very bad.”

City said in a statement on Monday morning: “Due to recent weather events, tournament organisers and participating clubs have made the decision to cancel tonight’s International Champions Cup fixture to be played in Beijing tonight, 25 July.

“A press conference will take place at the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) at 4.30pm local time.”Further details and statements will follow.”

The fixture would have been the first Manchester derby to be played abroad. The two sides will now next meet in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sept. 10.

A club source told ESPN FC that City sent a grounds man to the stadium 10 days ago to try ensure their pre-season derby with United went ahead.

United are next scheduled to be in action against Galatasaray on July 30, while City face Borussia Dortmund, who beat the Red Devils 4-1 last week, on July 28.

Report by Soccernet.com