Real Madrid v Manchester United Super Cup clash will have water breaks to protect players from Skopje's heat

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UEFA will order water breaks for the European Super Cup clash between Manchester United and Real Madrid if the stifling heat of Skopje poses a threat to player safety.

The so-called Lucifer heatwave in central Europe has pushed temperatures in the Macedonian capital towards 40 degrees ahead of the showpiece game at the Philip II Arena on Tuesday night.

If it exceeds 32 degrees by kick-off, UEFA will implement a water break 30 minutes into each half to protect the players from the intense heat and humidity, and keep them hydrated. That was the case when United played Madrid in Santa Clara a fortnight ago in the only afternoon kick-off of their summer tour of America.

Manchester United's Super Cup clash with Real Madrid will see drink breaks implemented

The Red Devils' match in Skopje could see temperatures rise to 40 degrees on Tuesday night

UEFA officials expect the temperatures in Skopje to drop slightly after the sun goes down an hour before kick-off. A match delegate will monitor conditions throughout the evening and have the final say on whether to order the three-minute breaks.

The United squad fly into Macedonia on Monday and Jose Mourinho is expected to discuss the conditions at his pre-match press conference later in the day.

It has raised questions about the wisdom of playing the game in central Europe at the height of summer. Temperatures this year are even higher than normal, and a 30-day state of emergency has been declared in Macedonia to help the country deal with wildfires and other problems caused by the heatwave.

UEFA will implement a water break 30 minutes into each half to protect the players