Ronaldo is set to reunite with MU in an unexpected location

Manchester United is exploring the possibility of holding a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia to boost the club’s income.

Manchester United is evaluating the option of a mid-season tour in the Middle East, where they could face Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Old Trafford amid tension to join Al-Nassr in 2022.

According to The Sun, the “Red Devils” are having preliminary talks with involved parties, while reviewing the schedule and potential opponents. A direct clash with CR7 is seen as a highly profitable opportunity, especially given the club’s urgent financial needs.

After failing to qualify for European competitions this season, MU has free dates to arrange midweek friendlies. Their loss to Tottenham in the final Europa League last May cost them a £100 million prize. Currently, a debt burden estimated at around £750 million weighs heavily on Sir Jim Ratcliffe, forcing him to find ways to increase revenue.

The schedule has become even lighter after MU was eliminated by Grimsby Town in the second round of the League Cup. According to SunSport, AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Lazio, and Sevilla (all major clubs also missing out on European competition) are being considered as potential opponents. This new plan emerged after MU scrapped a backstage documentary project that could have earned millions. Additionally, coach Ruben Amorim is likely to support the trip to the Middle East if it can also serve as a warm-weather training camp during winter.

In an effort to restructure finances, Ratcliffe has dismissed up to 450 MU staff members. Speaking to the press in March, he stated: “We cannot turn a blind eye. This is a major issue, not a small one. We are undergoing change, a difficult and turbulent period. I truly sympathize with the fans, but this is something that must be done.”

Related article

CONFIRMED: MU’s pride agrees to move to the ‘promised land’ Fabrizio Romano revealed that Kobbie Mainoo is ready to accept a loan deal to Serie A in the January transfer window, as he pushes for a departure from Manchester United. See more