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United's post season trip draws guru's ire

Manchester United are planning to go on a post-season trip to Malaysia at the end of the current season for a money-spinning tour that may earn the club $10million (£7.96m, €9.6m) in revenue.

Premier League teams usually travel overseas for pre-season tours, with United likely to return to the United States once again later next summer, but post-season tours are also becoming a trend as clubs seek to maximise revenue streams and comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, as well as UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations.

This is a particular challenge for United, who have also been pursuing an aggressive strategy of cost-cutting under the minority ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has cut 250 jobs from the club, as well as raising ticket prices at Old Trafford, clamping down on staff expenses and cancelling the annual staff Christmas party.

Football finance guru Kieran Maguire comments acidly: ‘I'm sure the players will be delighted, especially as it will give them extra opportunity to prepare for the International matches for their countries on 7 June. None of them would have wanted an immediate break post season shirley?’

Mind you, Maguire was greeted yesterday with chants of 'You're just a poor Swiss Ramble.'  (The authoritative Swiss analyst of the business side of football).


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