Philadelphia Union hosts Manchester United

    Odds are not in favor of the home team. Manchester United is the overwhelming favorite.

    Wednesday night, one of the world’s greatest soccer teams will be in Philadelphia the play the Union. Manchester United will play a friendly game against Philadelphia’s major league soccer team. The odds are not in the Union’s favor, but that does not deter their fans.

    The match will not be played in the Union’s brand-new stadium in Chester–which seats 18,000–but rather Lincoln Financial Field, nearly four times larger, to accommodate the expected crowds. Manchester United is one of the most storied teams in soccer, with a roster of celebrity players and countless championships under its belt.

    Soccer fan Brad Youtz of Wilmington bought his tickets as soon as they went on sale. He’s looking forward to seeing Manchester’s star midfielder Ryan Giggs, but says he deeply hates Man United.

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    “They are winning, popular, but as with any good team – like the Yankees or the Dallas Cowboys – you’re either in one of two camps: you wither love them and revere them, or – as in my case – despise them.”

    The game is exposition play – a win or a loss will not effect Philadelphia Union’s standing in the league. The team from England is on a five-city North American tour.

    I’m Peter Crimmins, WHYY news.

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