“Insiders say…“: United’s pre-season plans take massive twist, a lot of fans won’t be happy – report

In their endeavour to get things right on the pitch, Manchester United are deliberating over various plans with regard to preparations for the upcoming season. The Red Devils were initially eyeing a return to the United States for their pre-season tour, like they did under Ruben Amorim last summer. However, due to the over-saturation of football in the US during the course of the World Cup, INEOS have been forced to shelve those plans. The 20-time English league champions have travelled to Asia and Australia in recent years, but as per The Daily Mail, a different plan is in the pipeline. US no longer an option United could stay in Europe in the summer, with one friendly expected to be against Wrexham in Finland. Fans in Asia and Africa, where United enjoy huge support, might not be too pleased with the development. Opposition teams and venues are likely to be discussed as time goes on, with United regular visitors to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin. “It looks as though United will be spending pre-season in Europe this summer rather than going on tour to more far-flung corners of the world. “The Reds have been regular visitors to America in recent seasons, but the shorter window after the World Cup and concerns about over-saturation of football in the US following the tournament means they were unlikely to return this year. Europe stay likely “The club have also rotated trips to Asia, Australia and Africa, but insiders say the indications are that a Europe-based pre-season seems more likely at this stage even though discussions are ongoing which may yet alter their plans.” Interestingly, there were talks of INEOS organising a mid-season tour of the Middle East, like last year’s post-season tour of Asia. As things stand, such a move is unlikely, but not ruled out completely. The team will not embark on a warm-weather training camp during the extended breaks in March and April either. “They are unlikely to arrange a warm-weather training camp in the remaining weeks of the season after the prospect of a lucrative visit to the Middle East diminished. United’s plans for mid-season camp “The club have been in discussions with the Saudi Pro League, and officials in Kuwait also claimed that talks have taken place, but there has been no significant progress so far. “The United players will be given a few days off after the West Ham game on Tuesday night, with the club not involved in the FA Cup this weekend. As things stand, it will be the same during the two 11-day breaks in March and April, although sources say that a Middle East trip cannot be completely ruled out.” United will be seen next in action against West Ham later on Tuesday as Michael Carrick looks to win five games out of five. Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25