Winning the I-League title this year might seem like a distant dream for East Bengal. However, there’s some exciting news for the Red and Gold fans. Legendary English Premier League club Manchester United is, who have won 20 Premier League titles, is ready to play against the club in pre-season friendly on July 26 this year. If everything goes as planned Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, and new player Bruno Fernandes will be playing at the Yuvabharati Krirangan Stadium in Salt Lake, Kolkata.

Paul Pogba (Image: manutd.com)

Last December, a delegation from Manchester United arrived in Kolkata to examine if they could play the exhibition match with East Bengal, on the occasion of the Red and Gold’s centenary celebration. They travelled to the Salt Lake stadium to inspect and were quite satisfied with the conditions. According to sources, Manchester United have already given a green signal to the game and they want the deal to happen quickly so the two teams can play against each other.

However, Manchester United has asked for a hefty financial exchange, which is not a concern for East Bengal though. The club from Kolkata will not have to pay the contract money at once. The first installment will be paid in April. The second instalment is due at the end of June.

If the deal is signed, it will be a huge gift for the East Bengal supporters on the clubs centenary year.