This confession of the coach strengthens the probability of an upcoming confrontation between Manchester United and Al-Nassr of Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. Manchester has extensions to play these matches, due to the lack of European competitions.
The Red Devils did not manage to qualify for a European competition for the first time in 11 years, after having finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the final of the Europa League against Tottenham, thus letting a place in the Champions League. This inability to qualify for the biggest European competition has deprived the club of around 100 million pounds sterling, while the absence of games at Old Trafford also means that they will not receive additional income from match days like last season, where they had hosted seven Europa League games.
It was announced earlier in the week that the club was planning to play a match in Saudi Arabia, and Amorim confirmed this project, still unconfirmed, during its press conference on Friday.
Amorim said: ” We need to. And you know, we knew that, after our failure in Europe, we had a lot to do. We have our supporters, we have the budget, we must compensate for a lot. So we have to do it. We will do so. We want to be with our supporters around the world. If you have to do it, you need to find the necessary space. ”
United is preparing for a third trip abroad in one year
If United materializes his project for friendly matches abroad, it will be his third trip through the continent in 12 months. The Red Devils carried out an post-season tour in Asia in May, bowing to the Asean All-Stars in Malaysia, then winning a selection of Hong Kong. They then carried out their usual summer tour in the United States, facing West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton during the Summer Series of Premier League. Saudi Arabia has been mentioned as the most likely destination for United because of the financial advantages linked to the presence in this Gulf country, which has bet big on the reception of sporting events in recent years, a decision driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmane.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr).
The most promising match from a marketing point of view would see United confront Al-Nassr by Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo left United to join the Saudi giant in acrimonious circumstances in 2022, following his revealing interview with Piers Morgan, during which he criticized the management of the club and attacked coaches Erik Ten Hag and Ralf Rangnick.
The prospect of a confrontation between Ronaldo and his former club in Riyadh would constitute a major asset for supporters and broadcasters, and would probably be supported by Ben Salmane, eager to attract tourists to the Kingdom.
While United has many free weeks due to its lack of European football and its elimination of the Carabao Cup, Al-Nassr has a more busy calendar, participating in four distinct competitions.
