Lauwe vs Kortrijk - Friendlies Clubs

When Lauwe and Kortrijk clash at the home ground on June 20, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Friendlies Clubs fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. Why Manchester United face transfer dilemma with unexpected star of pre-season.

There is plenty riding on this Friendlies Clubs encounter for Lauwe and Kortrijk alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. Lauwe's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. Kortrijk's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. Man Utd have still accumulated the most points across the league since his return in January.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Lauwe favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Kortrijk are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United 'are not proceeding' with a move for the Brighton midfielder.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. The 18-year-old winger came on in the second half of City's first pre-season game against Inter and was one of the standout players, looking sharp and going close to either scoring or assisting a goal on a number of occasions.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. A more central role appears likely given the sale of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered by Amadou Onana at the World Cup.