Manchester United Soars to Asia: Post-Season Adventure in the Land of Festivals

On May 28, 2025, Manchester United will clash with the ASEAN All Stars in Kuala Lumpur, marking the start of their international fixtures before heading to Hong Kong just two days later.

The following week, United’s international stars will report to their respective national teams.

Five days post their final match, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot are expected to represent Portugal in the Nations League semi-final against Germany on June 4.

Pre-season preparations for United will kick off with a bout against Leeds United in Sweden on July 19, before they journey to the United States for a pre-season tournament scheduled between July 26 and August 3.

They will wrap up their pre-season lineup with a home match against Fiorentina on August 9.

Manager Amorim previously justified the post-season tour, describing it as a “small sacrifice” that enables the club to connect with fans worldwide.

Defender Harry Maguire commented, “It’s the club’s decision, and with our recent performances, we can’t challenge it. As players, we must own our Premier League position and the revenue produced, which has been far from satisfactory.”

He added, “We shouldn’t criticize the club for seeking to generate funds that could aid us in next season’s signings.”

Following their loss in Bilbao, United will miss European football next season for only the second time since 1990, creating a £100 million deficit in their finances.

Recently, BBC Sport revealed that United has informed several staff members at the Carrington training facility about impending job losses, marking the second round of layoffs since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of the club last year.

These job cuts come amid a grim financial outlook, with United reporting losses exceeding £370 million over the past five years.

In contrast, last season saw Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United travel to Australia for a post-season friendly, an event labeled as “madness” by BBC pundit Alan Shearer.

The increased demands on elite athletes have stirred considerable conversation this season, particularly with the expansion of all three European club competitions and the upcoming revamped FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S.

Former Manchester City defender Michael Brown shared on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast, “At the season’s conclusion, there’s a strong desire for rest; the expectation of a break before international commitments looms large. I grasp the financial motivations behind these tours, but they should be reevaluated.”

Ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson highlighted, “None of the players are truly eager to participate, yet commercial obligations woven into their contracts compel them to do so.”