The Athletic: Man United planning surprise mid-season friendly for two key reasons

Manchester United are exploring the possibility of playing a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia, as revealed by The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell.

The Red Devils are facing an unusual calendar this year, with no European commitments following their disastrous 15th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Their misery deepened when they were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in the second round by fourth-tier Grimsby Town.

Their next midweek fixture does not come until December, when they face West Ham United at Old Trafford.

United are facing hefty losses of around £85 million after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Having a friendly game in Saudi Arabia is a financially lucrative option, especially considering the booming appetite for elite football in the Middle East.

United are no strangers to such trips. Last season alone, they flew abroad on eight occasions to play exhibition matches.

The club used a similar strategy to pocket a few million by travelling to Malaysia and Hong Kong after the conclusion of the 2024–25 season.

The benefits are not just financial. A winter camp in Saudi Arabia would allow Ruben Amorim’s squad to train in warm conditions rather than endure the draining Manchester cold.

Working in freezing conditions often hampers intensity, while a short trip to the Middle East could help Amorim maintain sharpness and morale.

The assumption for now is that the 40-year-old stays in charge, but his future could take a turn if United stumble against Sunderland this weekend.

The Red Devils have picked up only seven points in six games.

With a squad that should be more than capable of challenging for European qualification, the pressure is firmly on Amorim to spark a turnaround.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .