Ruben Amorim tried to strike an optimistic note on Sunday when he was asked what he would do without skipper Bruno Fernandes. It puts more pressure on finances and underlines why the club are looking at a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia. As United's Premier League trip to Everton has been moved to Monday, 23 February, a gap has been opened in their schedule which makes such a trip possible.
Ruben Amorim tried to strike an optimistic note on Sunday when he was asked what he would do without skipper Bruno Fernandes.
However, in a season where Manchester United have repeatedly failed to cement themselves in a Champions League spot, it is easy to see how the next month might have a negative impact on the club's stated aim of securing European football next season.
It puts more pressure on finances and underlines why the club are looking at a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia.
As United's Premier League trip to Everton has been moved to Monday, 23 February, a gap has been opened in their schedule which makes such a trip possible.
The weekend before is reserved for the FA Cup fourth round. Clearly, it is possible United might not beat Brighton, so wouldn't have a match. However, even if they do, because they play West Ham in the Premier League on the previous Tuesday, it is possible they get a Friday night or Saturday cup fixture, which would create an 11-day gap.
Nothing is arranged yet – fellow European heavyweights AC Milan also have no European football this season – and it is unlikely anything will finalised until after that Brighton game. But I would be surprised if it didn't happen.
United have done this before, going to Saudi Arabia in January 2008 when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager. And as recently as May they went on a money-spinning post-season trip to Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Category: General Sports
