Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick believes that playing local rivals Manchester City in Beijing will add spice to the club's pre-season.
The Manchester rivals will meet each other in China later this month in the International Champions Cup before the Red Devils then play Borussia Dortmund.
The match will also be special as it will provide the fans with the opportunity to see the rivalry between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola renewed.
For the veteran midfielder, facing Manchester City will be special and help to put in some "added spice" to their pre-season preparations.
"I’m sure there will be a little bit of added spice for a pre-season friendly and it’ll be great for the fans out there to witness", Carrick told his club's official website.
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"The support we get out there is incredible so the atmosphere will go up a notch I’m sure.
"Pre-season is an important time for the team and for the players, making sure that you get to that level that you need to be at for the start of the season."
With a club of Borussia Dortmund's stature being another team in the tournament, the midfielder believes that the nature of the fixtures will be tough.
However, facing such competitive team will help the Red Devils judge how prepared they are for the new season, Carrick feels.
"They’re a terrific team who did well in last season's Bundesliga and I’m sure it’ll be a good game for us.
"Playing against them will allow us, to a certain extent, judge where we’re at.
"It’s difficult to predict exactly what the games will be like because a lot will depend on which players are on display.
"But we know the games will be tough as we’re talking about two great teams here. I’m sure they will be great games to watch."
For Carrick, who recently signed a one-year contract extension with the club, next season will be his eleventh season in a red shirt.
