With the massive expenditure in summer, United were bound to try to make up for the revenue shortfall from the lack of CL football. The GGs will apparently organise some very lucrative friendlies. I can't see any problem with that as long as they provide some fitness tests for the team instead of tiring the players or injuring the players. The irony is that these friendlies are less likely to affect the premiership matches AND they may provide more income than competitive European football. With the stars that people in the Middle East and Asia want to watch, the demand will be high either in stadia or pay per view. For me these will never replace CL football but they will do until United get back into CL football next season. That should keep United's head above water.. and with United 's form so inconsistent and their outcome of their matches so unpredictable their matches attract the most live audience by a long distance. I am sure the GGs have already realised that and will be making the most of it. Isn't ironic that the global attraction of United has increased whilst their performance on the pitch has declined? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...verseas-friendlies-Champions-League-void.html
I doubt LVG will be over impressed with this idea. He complained bitterly about the American pre season tour, so adding fixtures mid season is hardly going to be a good idea. We have enough injury problems now, so why risk more? Top 4 is the minimum target, so why add further mid week fixtures, all of which seem to involve long flights, possible injuries and jet lag when we have far more important matches at the weekend?
The GGs are here for the money they can make. Fans must remember that their ultimate is not football glory, premiership or CL trophies. It is just it is only now that our and their objectives coincide. We wanted the top players playing good football. They want to keep the brand at the top and had to spend the necessary money. I can understand LVG being unhappy but as long as they do not injure or tire the main players it should be fine. The stars will just make cameo appearances. These friendly matches will proably be sold to TV networks for millions of pounds. But if they give the players a run out too, thats two birds with one stone.
His problem with the US tour was the sheer volume of flights involved - travelling over 13,000 miles in a week and a half, with a different time zone every three days. A one off hop to Dubai wouldn't have the same impact, particularly if it's only for a friendly and we don't have to take players who are tired. UIR will be gutted. Our part time season is already over...
New sig please! Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:45pm is for subscribing to MUTV to watch our reserve team play Rotor Dubai and Athletic Doha. Maybe we can have another International Champions Trophy, just to ensure we win two more trophies than Liverpool this season
