Kieran Maguire: Man United set for ‘£15m’ payout amid ‘huge’ claim
Man United will earn around £15million from their pre-season tour this summer.
That is the opinion of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Red Devils’ summer plans are ‘driven by commercial interests’.
United started their pre-season tour last Wednesday with a 2-0 win over Leeds United in Oslo, Norway.
Erik ten Hag’s side are now set to travel to Scotland to face Lyon before heading to the United States and then Ireland for the next part of their summer tour.
Overall, United will travel around 16,000 miles this summer, taking part in eight games across five countries.
The schedule has been criticised by Dean Saunders, who claimed that the tour could take a toll on United’s squad.
Maguire insists commercial benefits are at the forefront of United’s priorities ahead of player welfare.
“Manchester United generate up to £15million per year from pre-season tours in terms of the money paid from promoters,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“It also gives them an opportunity to sign deals and give local sponsors opportunities to have their products next to players.
“You can see the rationale behind this, but it is certainly driven by commercial interests.
“Man United want to touch base with their huge overseas fanbase, but the downside to this is that players will be clocking up a large amount of air miles and pushed to their limits.
“However, most players accept this as a part of modern football.
“It is a commercial decision from Man United, but most things are in the game these days.“
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