Coach Amorim speaks frankly about MU's reunion with Ronaldo

Coach Ruben Amorim confirmed that Manchester United will have a mid-season tour, which opens the chance to meet Cristiano Ronaldo again in a friendly against Al Nassr.

Manchester United failed to qualify for any European competition for the first time in 11 years after finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final last season, missing the chance to return to the Champions League. Missing out on European cups cost the club about £100 million, and the lack of matches at Old Trafford also meant losing ticket revenue compared to last season when they hosted seven Europa League games.

Recently, there have been reports that the club is considering organizing a match in Saudi Arabia. Coach Ruben Amorim also confirmed this plan in a recent press conference, although it has not been officially announced.

Specifically, the Portuguese coach stated: “We have to do that. We have realized that missing out on European competitions means the club has many things to compensate for. We have fans, a budget to balance, and need to find ways to make up for it. So we will do it. We want to be close to fans all over the world. If we have to do it, we need to find the right time to carry it out.”

If the plan to hold friendlies abroad comes true, it will be Man United’s third intercontinental tour within 12 months. In May, they toured Asia after the season, losing to ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia then defeating Hong Kong's national team in that country.

Afterward, they continued their usual summer tour in the U.S., facing West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton in the Premier League Summer Series. Saudi Arabia is considered the most likely destination due to financial benefits, as the Gulf nation has heavily invested in sports recently, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The most commercially attractive match is expected to be the clash between Man United and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Ronaldo left Old Trafford to join the Saudi club amid controversy in 2022, following a contentious interview with Piers Morgan where he criticized the club’s management and publicly clashed with coaches Erik ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick.

The prospect of Ronaldo facing his former club will surely be a “magnet” drawing fans and broadcasters, and it is likely supported by Bin Salman, who aims to promote the Kingdom as a tourist destination.

While Man United has many open dates due to absence from European cups and elimination from the Carabao Cup, Al Nassr is busier competing in four different tournaments.

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