Manchester United Eyes Saudi Mid-Season Friendly Amid Debt

Manchester United are exploring a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia to generate revenue, take advantage of free midweeks and gain warm-weather training, but talks are at an early stage with no agreement. The move comes as United faces heavy debt—reported around £750m to about $1bn—and lost an estimated £85m by missing out on the Champions League despite posting record revenues and ongoing losses. As part of efforts to stabilise finances, the club is pursuing cost-cutting measures including up to 450 redundancies and has appointed Marc Armstrong, formerly of PSG, as chief business officer. Separately, the Saudi Pro League has unveiled a $140 million plan to lure top talent, fuelling renewed speculation about high-profile fixtures and potential reunions such as Cristiano Ronaldo’s. Precedents like PSG’s mid-season match in Riyadh and events tied to Riyadh Season underline the commercial lure, but the proposal raises sporting and reputational debates over mid-season overseas trips.