Manchester United have reportedly opened talks over playing a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to raise revenues.
According to the Athletic, the Red Devils are exploring the prospect due to having multiple free midweeks in the season.
It follows Ruben Amorim‘s side failing to qualify for European competition this season, as well as suffering a shock Carabao Cup loss by League Two side Grimsby Town.
Man United loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham last season saw the club miss out on a £85m windfall which would have come from qualifying for the Champions League.
A friendly in Saudi Arabia could reportedly prove lucrative for the Red Devils, while it would offer warm-weather training in the winter.
Newcastle United have previously travelled to Saudi Arabia for warm-weather training during the season.
Manchester United are reportedly in talks to play a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia
The Red Devils are seeking ways to boost revenue after missing out on the Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo could face his former club if Al-Nassr were to feature in the potential friendly
Reigning European champions PSG had held a mid-season friendly against a Saudi Pro League XI in Riyadh back in January 2023.
Man United’s chief business officer Marc Armstrong, who was appointed in February, had been PSG’s chief revenue officer at the time.
Daily Mail Sport understands no agreement has been reached over a friendly in Saudi Arabia to date.
There are two midweeks of European action in November, with another round of fixtures in December.
A reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo could be a possible option if a friendly is agreed, with the former Man United star, who plays for Al-Nassr, currently being the Saudi Pro League’s most notable player.
Man United would need to comply with the Premier League handbook, which outlines conditions for clubs to arrange other matches.
The handbook states clubs shall not arrange to play a friendly match during the season ‘until the dates of league matches for that season have been fixed and published’ or ‘so that it adversely affects a league match’.
