Pre-season visits are no longer enough. The post-season visits are increasing.
Manchester United announced plans for a two game tour in the Far East to be completed just a few days after the end of the Premier League season.
The Red Devils will fly to matches in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong and will leave the United Kingdom immediately after their last game of the season against Aston Villa.
Mail Sport understands that the club is paid about 8 million pounds sterling for the trip.
To start, they will face the Asean All Stars in the National Stadium of Bukit Jalil of 84,000 people in Kuala Lumpur on May 28.
On May 30, they will conclude the walk with a confrontation against Hong Kong in the 40,000 Hong Kong stadium.
Man United will enjoy an after-season tour in Asia immediately after playing Aston Villa
They will play light fixtures in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong on May 28 and 30, benches of 8 million pounds sterling
United will make a link with local fans and will strengthen their finances before the next campaign
However, this match would come up against the date of the local FA Cup final at the Stade Mong Kok.
The Provents are at the origin of the tour, which is presented by Snapdragon.
United is forced to release their players for the international service on May 31, the qualifications of the Nationas and the World League which will take place in early June.
Portugal by Bruno Fernandes, for example, has a confrontation in the semi-final of the League of Nations with Germany on June 4.
They are not the first club to do this and they will not be the last either. Tottenham and Newcastle were criticized for playing a confrontation after the season on May 22 in Australia from last year. On the other hand, 78,419 fans who could not generally see them live were presented themselves in the Melbourne cricket field.
Gareth Southgate, then manager of England, was concerned before the European championship. “The financial show means that clubs must generate their own money, so we are in a bizarre world where there is more money in the game than ever, and yet everyone rushes into federations and clubs to generate more money,” he said.
“The normal way to do it is to play more games. So is this excellent news for us, in terms of preparation? No.’
Even Kieran Trippier de Toon admitted that it was “far from ideal”.
Tottenham and Newcastle were criticized for playing in Australia last May, when 78,419 fans arrived
Managing Director Omar Berrada said the tour can help generate more investment in the field
United will first play in the National Stadium of Bukit Jalil of 84,000.
They will then travel to take advantage of the 40,000 people Hong Kong stadium on May 30
Manchester United wrote in a press release: “ The club visited Kuala Lumpur for the last time in 2009 and Hong Kong in 2013, but the link between United and the millions of club’s loyal fans across Asia remains as strong as ever.
“The matches can offer a unique opportunity to players and staff to connect directly with fans in Asia, and for the club to activate with its precious business partners in the region.”
CEO Omar Berrada said: “ We appreciate the incredible level of support that Manchester United loves around the world and this summer, we are delighted to provide a calendar that offers our fans in Asia, Scandinavia and the United States the possibility of connecting with the club and watching the first male team play live in local establishments.
“Above all, the touring lights generate significant additional income which helps the stronger club, which allows us to continue to invest in success in the field.
“They also create unique opportunities for us to collaborate with our precious business partners and deepen relations with our fans in regions like Asia and the United States.”