Manchester United are planning to bank upwards of £10 million by playing a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia in January, according to sources. The club's failure to qualify for European competition this season has left a significant gap in their fixture list and an estimated £80 million shortfall in revenue.
The proposed friendly would be a lucrative money-spinner, with United last visiting Saudi Arabia in January 2008 for an exhibition match against Al-Hilal. That trip included a five-day warm-weather training camp before a 3-1 FA Cup win over Tottenham.
Talks are reportedly being led by Saudi sports official Turki Al-Sheikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority, who has publicly suggested United are ready to sell to a new investor. However, a senior club source has described Al-Sheikh's takeover claims as 'baseless' and without credence.
United's schedule currently has a 10-day gap between Premier League matches against Burnley on January 7 and Manchester City on January 17, with the FA Cup third round around January 10. Manager Ruben Amorim is unlikely to want a 6,500-mile round trip before the Manchester derby, so the friendly would likely take place after that clash.
The Glazers rejected a Qatari takeover bid last year, selling 27.7% of the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe for £1.25 billion. United have declined to comment on the latest takeover speculation.
