Manchester United could jet off for a lucrative mid-season friendly abroad to offset the financial blow of their earliest cup exits in decades. With the club playing its fewest games in a single campaign since the 1914/15 season, Michael Carrick has confirmed that “club chiefs” are evaluating a gap in the March calendar to generate much-needed revenue.
A 112-Year Historic Low
Following premature exits from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, alongside a lack of European football, United are scheduled to play just 40 matches this season. To bridge the gap and bank millions in appearance fees, a friendly during the upcoming fixture breaks is being discussed at Carrington.
The Gaps in United’s Schedule:
- March 4 – March 15: An 11-day void between Newcastle and Aston Villa.
- March 20 – April 11: A massive 22-day gap (including the international break).
What Michael Carrick Said
When questioned about the possibility of a mid-season tour, the interim boss remained non-committal but acknowledged the logistical challenges.
“It just depends on a lot of things really,” Carrick admitted. “It is not straightforward, but it is something we can do if it is best for the players. We will make a call based on where the game is and when the fixtures fall.”
Balancing Revenue and Rest
While the commercial department is keen to exploit United’s global brand, Carrick’s primary concern remains player fitness. A mid-season trip to the Middle East or North America could provide a financial boost but risks fatigue ahead of the season’s final sprint.
For now, the focus remains on Monday’s Premier League clash against Everton, where United look to maintain their push up the table.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
