Manchester United is facing significant financial challenges this season due to their absence from European competitions.
Missing out on the Europa League resulted in a £40 million revenue loss, while qualifying for the Champions League could have brought in an additional £100 million.
Furthermore, the club’s sponsorship deal with DXC Technology for shirt sleeves will expire this summer.
United has not yet replaced Tezos as their kit sponsor after their contract ended last summer, leading to a £24 million shortfall.
To address these financial gaps, the club is exploring options for generating extra revenue, including a mid-season tour.
Last summer, a post-season tour to Asia, alongside a pre-season tour in the USA, raised nearly £20 million for the club.
As part of their revenue-generating plans, there is a proposal for traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Riyadh Season Cup, which could provide an additional £10 million.
Michael Carrick recently discussed this potential mid-season tour in a pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Sun.
Carrick stated: “At this stage, nothing’s confirmed. We’re aware of the schedule and there are some spaces that we can use in different ways.”
He added: “It’s all up for discussion at the moment. Nothing’s been decided. It might happen. It might not.”
This means Carrick has not confirmed or ruled out the discussions, leaving options open for the club.
Given the commercial pressures, INEOS has reintroduced Jean-Claude Blanc to work closely with the club’s chief business officer, Marc Armstrong.