Man United Announce £8m Postseason Far East Tour Immediately After Final Premier League Match

Manchester United Confirm £8m Post-Season Tour to Asia
By Luke Power | Updated: 09:48 BST, 8 April 2025

[Image: Manchester United players celebrating a goal; caption: United will play in Asia days after the Premier League season ends.]

Manchester United have announced a lucrative post-season tour to Asia, with matches in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong scheduled just days after their final Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on May 25. The club is set to earn approximately £8 million from the trip, aimed at boosting finances and engaging global fans.

Tour Details

• May 28: Face the ASEAN All Stars at Kuala Lumpur’s 84,000-seat Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
• May 30: Play a Hong Kong XI at the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium.

The tight schedule has raised eyebrows, as players must report for international duty by May 31. Key stars like Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) could feature in UEFA Nations League or World Cup qualifiers shortly after.

[Image: Bukit Jalil National Stadium; caption: United’s first match will be held in Malaysia’s largest stadium.]

Controversy and Criticism
Post-season tours are increasingly common but contentious. Last year, Tottenham and Newcastle drew criticism for a post-season friendly in Australia, which attracted 78,419 fans but clashed with Euro 2024 preparations. England manager Gareth Southgate called such tours “far from ideal,” citing player fatigue. Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier admitted the schedule was “not perfect,” yet acknowledged clubs’ financial needs under Profit and Sustainability Rules.

[Image: Tottenham vs. Newcastle in Melbourne, 2024; caption: Post-season tours draw crowds but spark debate over player welfare.]

United’s Justification
Chief executive Omar Berrada defended the tour, stating it strengthens ties with Asian supporters and commercial partners: “These fixtures drive revenue to invest in the team and allow fans worldwide to connect with the club.” United last visited Kuala Lumpur in 2009 and Hong Kong in 2013, with this tour seen as a strategic move to grow their global brand.

[Image: Hong Kong Stadium; caption: The tour concludes at Hong Kong Stadium, which last hosted United in 2013.]

Potential Conflicts
The Hong Kong match coincides with the local FA Cup final, though organizers insist logistics will be managed. Meanwhile, players face a grueling turnaround between the Premier League finale, tour, and international commitments.

Broader Trend
Clubs are increasingly prioritizing revenue-generating tours amid Financial Fair Play pressures. While fans in Asia gain rare live access to top teams, critics argue player welfare is compromised. United’s decision highlights the balance between commercial growth and sporting demands in modern football.

[Image: Omar Berrada at a press conference; caption: Berrada emphasized the tour’s role in funding on-pitch success.]

United’s statement reiterated their commitment to Asian fans, calling the tour a “unique opportunity to connect.” With £8m added to their coffers, the club hopes to reinvest in squad improvements ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Share or comment on this article: Man United confirm £8m post-season tour to the Far East – and will fly out straight after final Premier League game

Word count: ~650
Images: 5 (as noted in captions)