Man Utd ‘plotting’ post-season Asia tour which may earn £10million windfall

Manchester United are plotting a post-season trip to Malaysia that could land the Red Devils a £10million windfall – but there has been concerned raised about player welfare

Manchester United are planning to go on a post-season trip to Malaysia, that will raise further concerns about player welfare.

United bosses are plotting the trip at the end of this season, in a move that could earn them up to £10m. But with United also expected to travel to the United States in the summer for a pre-season tour, it remains to be seen what toll a long journey to Malaysia could have on the squad.

A return flight to Kuala Lumpa is 27 hours and almost 14,000 miles. Post season tours are becoming a trend with top flight clubs, who are keen to maximise revenue streams.

It also helps them comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, as well as UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.

This has become an increasing challenge for United, where co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has introduced a range of brutal cost-cutting measures since purchasing a stake in the club in January.

Ratcliffe has cut 250 jobs, raised ticket prices, clamped down on staff expenses and even cancelled the annual Christmas Party. Tottenham and Newcastle have both taken their squads on post-season tours.

The top flight rivals faced each other in a match in Melbourne just three days after the end of last season. United’s final game of this season could be on May 21, should Ruben Amorim’s side manage to reach the Europa League final.

Earlier this season Manchester City star Rodri revealed how leading players would consider going on strike if the game’s rulers refused to scale back on the number of games stars were being expected to play.

United have not confirmed the possible trip to Malaysia, but said talks with organisers were ongoing.