Manchester United arrange behind-closed-doors friendly during international break

Manchester United will play an unofficial, behind-closed-doors friendly against Swiss side Lausanne-Sport during the international break. According to The Telegraph, the INEOS-owned outfit will face the Red Devils this week as both clubs look to maintain match sharpness and fitness levels during the three-week hiatus.

Organising the fixture proved straightforward due to the shared ownership between the two sides. The exact venue has not been disclosed, though most Premier League clubs have opted to remain in the UK rather than travel abroad for warm-weather training camps.

Aston Villa are also set to hold a training friendly against Southampton during the extended break, with coaching staff viewing competitive matches as far more beneficial than standard training sessions. The updated format of the international calendar across September and October has presented club managers with a significant challenge in managing player conditioning.

The clash against the Swiss outfit could provide a valuable opportunity for Matthijs de Ligt to build up match fitness. The defender is closing in on a return to action following nearly a year on the sidelines with a back injury sustained last November, which required surgery over the summer.

Lausanne currently sit bottom of the Swiss Super League after winning just one of their opening nine matches. Their squad features former United academy player Tyler Fredricson, who moved to Switzerland in July, as well as Old Trafford loanee Sekou Kone. Lucas Bergvall's younger brother, Theo, is also part of their ranks.

The ongoing international break has brought further headaches for Manchester United following fresh fitness concerns. Bruno Fernandes, who has played through discomfort over the past three weeks, withdrew from the Portugal squad for their clash with Norway. Patrick Dorgu suffered a hamstring issue during Denmark's match against Wales and returned to Carrington for assessment, while Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo were unavailable for England selection due to injuries.