Manchester United’s financial woes have meant INEOS have been forced to explore means of generating funds to steer clear of breaching Profit and Sustainability rules.
Which is why the Red Devils will embark on a trip to Asia just days after the conclusion of the season to play two friendlies against ASEAN All stars in Kuala Lumpur and a Hong Kong, China XI in Hong Kong.
The trip will net the club around £8 million, a huge boost to the club’s revenue, something CEO Omar Berrada admitted to as well. Fan engagement with Asian fans, one of United’s most passionate fanbase, was seen as another reason.
“Importantly, tour fixtures drive significant additional revenue which help make the club stronger, allowing us to keep investing in success on the pitch,” he said.
Asia tour
“They also create unique opportunities for us to collaborate with our valued commercial partners, and to deepen relationships with our fans in regions such as Asia and the US.”
But the fact that United would embark on the tour just two days after their final league game has come under fire with plenty of pundits criticising INEOS for overlooking player safety.
The Peoples Person has already written about how Alejandro Garnacho and Manuel Ugarte will have to travel over 37,000 miles during pre-season including flying back home and to the US for the Summer Series.
Influential players like Bruno Fernandes, and Diogo Dalot, who have hardly ever missed a game could be forced to play additional minutes with The Daily Star claiming that sponsors have asked the club to play their biggest players.
No relief for players
“Manchester United’s biggest stars will be made to go on the club’s controversial post-season tour of the Far East. And the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Casemiro will not be excused from the gruelling trip.
“The United players are contractually obliged to take part in the tour, while sponsors want to see Ruben Amorim’s leading names in action in both matches.”
Portugal will line up against Germany in a Nations League semi-final less than seven days later, and there is the danger of players being overworked and picking up injuries as a result.
Soon after that the 20-time English league champions will be jetting off to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series as part of their pre-season plans.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
