A supporter-owned football club formed by fans who broke away from Manchester United is to stage a friendly against Portuguese football giant Benfica — which is also supporter-owned.

And the match will be the first international friendly played at its own, new ground in Manchester.

FC United of Manchester was formed in 2005 by United supporters opposed to United States businessman Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of the club.

The supporters were also sick of soaring ticket prices and what they saw as the use of United as a profit-making machine.

They left and formed FC United, which is owned and democratically run by its supporters.

The club is active in the community, laying on training sessions for youngsters, campaigning against racism as well as welcoming young asylum-seekers to training sessions.

The team plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

FC United shares Bury’s ground but their own ground is nearing completion.

The club yesterday announced the friendly against Benfica on Friday May 29 as part of a “summer of celebration” marking the club’s 10th anniversary. 

FC United manager Andy Walsh said he was “delighted” with the fixture. “We have had good relations with Benfica since hosting their U19’s when they played Manchester City in the Uefa Youth League last season. 

“We are proud to be playing one of the largest fan-owned clubs in the world and are looking forward to welcoming Benfica’s representatives to Manchester.”

Benfica’s academy general manager Armando Jorge Carneiro said: “While FC United are still a young club in the history of this sport in England, it’s nevertheless a great honour for SL Benfica to be present with their B team at United’s stadium, Broadhurst Park.”

FC United are planning a friendly with fellow supporter-owned club AFC Wimbledon, which was an inspiration to FC United’s formation.