Manchester United will make a 14,000-mile round trip after the end of the Premier League campaign just before the commencement of June internationals.
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Man Utd set for SE Asia tripWill play in Kuala Lumpur & Hong KongThe trip will help them earn £8 million Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Despite concerns over fatigue following a demanding season, United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that a full-strength squad, including senior figures like club captain Bruno Fernandes, will travel for the week-long tour. The club will play two matches during their visit: the first against a Southeast Asian all-star team in Kuala Lumpur on May 28, followed by a clash against a Hong Kong XI two days later, on May 30.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesWHAT AMORIM SAID
Amorim defended the decision to press ahead with the long-haul journey and said: "Yes, I was consulted [about the trip]. We cannot say anything after this season. We need to help the club, because the club wins [earns] some money and we are going to connect with our fans around the world.
“That is important, especially when we lose and we disappoint our supporters during this tough season. I think it’s the least we can do. We are going to take all the team, young kids also, and we’ll have the staff there. We have [had] a lot of changes in the staff, so we are trying to build something as a family. I think it’s also a good thing.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
United are expected to earn around £8 million ($11m) from the two fixtures, a figure that would significantly boost the club's revenue as they continue to rebuild both on and off the pitch. United will fly back to the UK directly after their second match, arriving on the morning of Saturday, May 31. While the official FIFA international break begins on Monday, June 2, the Three Lions may assemble a day earlier to begin preparations.
DID YOU KNOW?
Though domestic performances have been underwhelming this season, United still have the chance to end their campaign on a high. With a Europa League final showdown against Tottenham on the horizon, the Red Devils could claim their first European silverware since José Mourinho led them to victory in 2017.