Manchester United is gearing up for a busy schedule as they prepare to face the ASEAN All Stars in Kuala Lumpur on May 28, followed by a match in Hong Kong just two days later. This post-season trip, according to the club’s sponsor Apollo Tyres, will see players including Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, and Diogo Dalot attending a meet-and-greet event in Mumbai on May 29.
After the club’s final match, players will join their respective national teams, with Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot expected to compete for Portugal in the Nations League semi-finals against Germany on June 4. Looking ahead to the pre-season, United will kick off with a match against Leeds United in Sweden on July 19, before heading to the US for a Premier League pre-season tournament between July 26 and August 3, concluding with a home game against Fiorentina on August 9.
Despite the excitement surrounding these matches, the backdrop is less than ideal for United. Recent defeats, including the one in Bilbao, have left them without European football for only the second time since 1990, creating a significant financial gap estimated at £100 million. This fiscal pressure has resulted in job redundancies at their Carrington training ground, marking the second round of layoffs since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement with the club.
Defender Harry Maguire acknowledged the Players’ responsibility in light of the club’s performance this season, emphasizing that while they may not agree with the need for commercial tours, the financial expectations are clear. The rise in the workload for elite players, especially with the expansion of European competitions and the upcoming Club World Cup, has raised concerns about player welfare.
Former players have voiced their reservations about the need for post-season commercial matches, arguing that players need time to recover and prepare for international commitments. Paul Robinson, a former England goalkeeper, noted that players often feel obliged by contractual requirements to participate in these events, regardless of their personal willingness.
This year’s summer schedule promises to be both challenging and exciting for Manchester United as they navigate a precarious financial landscape while aiming to engage with fans globally. The club’s focus on connecting with supporters is a silver lining amidst the turmoil, potentially helping to elevate the team’s brand and soothe financial strains in the future.