Wed Feb 26 20:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Man United to Add Post-Season Overseas Fixtures Despite Financial Losses
**Manchester, England** – Manchester United are planning a controversial expansion of their playing schedule, adding two post-season matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong to their calendar, following their usual pre-season tour of the United States. The games, scheduled for immediately after the Premier League season concludes in May, come amidst a backdrop of financial difficulties and increased workload concerns for players.
This move follows a similar, albeit shorter, end-of-season trip by Tottenham and Newcastle to Australia last year, a decision criticized as “madness” by BBC pundit Alan Shearer. The additional fixtures raise questions about player fatigue, especially considering the expanded Club World Cup and Champions League formats.
Despite generating substantial revenue from commercial deals, matchday attendance, and broadcasting rights, Manchester United has reported losses exceeding £300 million over the past five years. This week, the club announced a second round of redundancies affecting up to 200 staff members. Manager Ruben Amorim has emphasized the first-team’s responsibility to boost revenue, with overseas matches presented as a key strategy.
The club’s extensive fanbase in Malaysia, coupled with their partnership with Malaysia Airlines, makes the Far East tour a commercially attractive proposition. However, the last time United played in Malaysia was 2009, and their last visit to Hong Kong was in 2013. The matches will take place in a tight window between the final Premier League game on May 25th and the Champions League final on May 31st, before players are released for international duty. Opponents for these matches are yet to be confirmed. The club will also return to the United States for pre-season matches in late July.
First Piper 