Manchester United are packing their bags for a post-season tour in Asia, with matches planned in Malaysia and Hong Kong right after the Premier League wraps up in May. Because, apparently, playing 50+ games a season isn’t enough for these lads.
Last year, Tottenham and Newcastle jetted off to Australia for a friendly, which Alan Shearer hilariously dubbed “madness.” And let’s be honest, he’s not wrong. With FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, UEFA’s beefed-up Champions League, and FA Cup replaks scrapped to “ease congestion,” players are basically running on fumes. But hey, who needs rest when there’s money to be made?
Speaking of money, United’s finances are a bit of a rollercoaster. Despite raking in cash from commercials, matchdays, and broadcasting, they’ve managed to lose over £300 million in the last five years. Ouch. Head coach Ruben Amorim recently said the first-team group needs to step up as the “engine” of the club. And what better way to rev that engine than by globetrotting for lucrative friendlies?
While nothing’s set in stone yet, it’s almost certain United will head to the Far East for two matches. The timing is tight, though. There’s just a week between their final Premier League game against Aston Villa on May 25 and the Champions League final on May 31. After that, players are off for international duty. Talk about a packed schedule!
United’s fan base in Asia is massive, especially in Malaysia, where Malaysia Airlines is their official commercial partner. But here’s a fun fact: they haven’t played in Malaysia since 2009 or in Hong Kong since 2013. So, is this tour about reconnecting with fans or padding the bank account? Why not both?
End of Season Timeline
17 May: FA Cup final
21 May: Europa League final
25 May: Final Premier League games
31 May: Champions League final
2-10 June: International break
15 June, 13 July: Club World Cup
Mid-July: Pre-season matches begin
9 August: Community Shield
16 August: Start of 2025-26 Premier League season
Personal Opinion:
On one hand, these tours are a win-win for fans who rarely get to see their idols in person and for clubs looking to boost revenue. On the other hand, the physical toll on players is undeniable. While it’s easy to criticize United for prioritizing profit, let’s not forget they’re a business at the end of the day. The real question is: at what point does the football calendar become unsustainable? For now, though, let’s just enjoy the spectacle and hope the players survive the jet lag and the Malaysian heat.
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