Man United to pounce by striking ‘lucrative’ new deal – Kieran Maguire
Man United will take advantage of FA Cup replays being scrapped to extend the length of their ‘lucrative’ pre-season tour of the United States.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that United often earn as much as £15million from their summer tours.
It was announced on Thursday (18 April) that FA Cup replays from the first round onwards will be scrapped.
The decision was clouded by controversy after it was revealed that the EFL were not included in the decision to scrap replays.
The change to the calendar is intended to reduce the number of games played and allow for a longer summer break.
Man United to extend ‘£15m’ US tour after FA Cup controversy
However, Maguire believes Premier League clubs such as Manchester United will use it as an opportunity to extend their summer pre-season tours to generate more revenue.
“Yes, I think clubs will look to extend their pre-season tours now that they are allowed a longer summer break,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“I think Manchester United have had 19 pre-season games in the last five years, and that includes a couple of Covid summers.
“If you look at Manchester United’s accounts from a couple of seasons ago, their tours have been lucrative with around £15million earned before Covid.
“Manchester United are a global phenomenon as far as football is concerned and people all over the world want to see them.
“They shouldn’t be necessarily denied that, but I think it grates with people as it is what is best for the Glazers rather than what is best for football.“
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