Manchester United Explores Saudi Arabia for Mid-Season Pleasant
Manchester United is considering playing a mid-season friendly match in Saudi Arabia, potentially capitalizing on lucrative financial opportunities and utilizing warm-weather training conditions.The move comes as the club navigates important financial pressures, including approximately £750 million in debt and a recent £85 million ($115m; €98m) loss in revenue due too failing to qualify for the Champions League. A sixth consecutive loss of £33m was also reported for the 2024-25 season, despite record annual revenues of £666.5m.
The possibility of a Saudi Arabian fixture builds on the trend of high-profile sporting events hosted by the country, exemplified by the recent Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford super-fight held in Las Vegas under the Riyadh Season banner in September.
United’s schedule currently allows for potential mid-week matches.following their League Two cup exit to Grimsby Town in August, the club doesn’t have a midweek fixture until hosting West Ham United at Old Trafford in early December, leaving three European matchday weeks open.A friendly could also be scheduled in late December or january.
The club is aware of Premier League regulations regarding in-season friendlies,which stipulate that such matches cannot be arranged until league dates are fixed and published,and must not negatively impact league commitments. Dialogue with the Premier League is anticipated.
Marc Armstrong, United’s chief business officer since February, brings experience with similar arrangements from his time at Paris Saint-Germain, who played a Saudi Pro League XI in Riyadh in January 2023. That match featured Cristiano Ronaldo, shortly after his departure from United, scoring twice, alongside a goal from Lionel Messi. A potential fixture against Ronaldo’s current club, Al Nassr, is being considered, though scheduling complexities remain.
United previously held a training camp in Spain in December 2022 during the Qatar World Cup, playing friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis. The club also recently completed a two-game post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong, generating an estimated $10m in revenue.
as of september 23rd, 2024, Manchester United has recorded two wins, one draw, and three losses in their six Premier League fixtures this season. their next match is against Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday.
(Photo of Manchester United players: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
