Source:REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Ruben Amorim has agreed to Manchester United arranging mid-season friendly matches to secure additional revenue. After last season concluded, Manchester United organized several friendlies in Malaysia and Hong Kong, China, which brought in approximately £10 million in income. This season, Manchester United has no European competition commitments, and the club is likely to seek ways to fill this gap. Due to losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur last season, Manchester United missed out on roughly £80 million to £100 million in revenue. Furthermore, although the English League Cup offers relatively modest prize money, Manchester United’s unexpected elimination in the second round by Grimsby Town also cut off that revenue stream. Meanwhile, Amorim has agreed to the club organizing lucrative mid-season friendlies. While specific matches or dates have not yet been finalized, Manchester United is likely to schedule at least one match, potentially combined with a warm-weather winter training camp, in late November, December, or January. Manchester United previously traveled to Saudi Arabia in January 2008 for a testimonial match, where they lost 2-3 to Al-Hilal in a farewell game for Saudi striker Sami Al-Jaber. Amorim understands that, given Manchester United’s financial situation, he is not in a position to oppose the decision to organize friendlies.