### Manchester United and West Ham Prepare for Pre-Season Showdown in the US: Kick-Off Time, Broadcast Details, and What to Expect
Manchester United and West Ham United are set to lock horns in an eagerly anticipated pre-season fixture as part of the Premier League Summer Series, a mini-tournament taking place across the United States. The encounter, which marks a significant phase in both clubs’ preparations for the new campaign, will be held at the impressive MetLife Stadium in New Jersey—a venue boasting a capacity of 82,500 and well known as the home to the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets.
This clash arrives at a crucial point for both sides, with Manchester United keen to move beyond a disappointing 16th-place finish in the previous Premier League season. Supporters have seen their club respond to last year’s struggles by launching an ambitious overhaul of their playing squad, driven forward by manager Ruben Amorim. Amorim, who took the Old Trafford hot seat last November, has received notable backing from the board and quickly set about reshaping his team with several high-profile signings.
One of the most prominent additions is Matheus Cunha, acquired from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a transfer worth £59.5 million. The Brazilian’s arrival was swiftly followed by the drawn-out signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, concluded for a deal that could rise to £71 million with performance-related add-ons. Expectations are high as fans hope these reinforcements can help engineer a resurgence for the club in the forthcoming season.
Over in East London, West Ham also endured a below-par finish, taking 14th place last term. New boss Graham Potter, brought in to steady the ship, has wasted no time strengthening his squad. Key arrivals include Kyle Walker-Peters, who joined on a free from Southampton, alongside El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million, and Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice at £32.8 million after an impressive loan spell. The Hammers’ faithful will be eager to see how these new faces blend as they look to kick off their Premier League campaign in August against newly promoted Sunderland.
As both clubs ramp up their pre-season campaign, all eyes will be on the meeting in New Jersey—a rare chance for American fans to see two of England’s top clubs go head-to-head. However, the timing poses a challenge for UK-based supporters. The match will kick off at 7pm local time on Saturday, 27 July, which translates to a midnight start on Sunday morning for audiences back in Britain.
For those wishing to follow the action live from home, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League will be providing television coverage. Subscribers can also stream the encounter via Sky Go on their computers or mobile devices, with NOW TV passes offering another accessible option.
This fixture is just one part of a packed pre-season diary for both sides. Manchester United’s warm-up schedule also features matches against Bournemouth, Everton, and Fiorentina, with games staged at venues such as Chicago’s Soldier Field and Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. West Ham’s itinerary is equally busy, including dates with Everton, Bournemouth and LOSC Lille, with some matches scheduled both abroad and at their home London Stadium.
With new signings set to make their debuts and both managers seeking valuable tactical insights, this match represents far more than a routine friendly. It is a chance to bed in fresh talent, test strategies, and send a statement of intent ahead of a fresh Premier League campaign.
The anticipation around this fixture highlights the ever-growing popularity of English football across the Atlantic, as well as the global reach of its biggest clubs. For those in the UK, despite the late start, the investment in new arrivals and the prospects of seeing fresh faces in action ensures there will be no shortage of intrigue when Manchester United meet West Ham in New Jersey.
In summary, the Manchester United versus West Ham pre-season clash promises drama, showcase debuts, and a preview of what both clubs hope will be vastly improved domestic campaigns. Fans will certainly be watching with great interest—whatever the time zone.