The Manchester United squad boarded a plane to Malaysia immediately after their final Premier League match of the season. From there, the club will embark on a tour of Asia, playing two friendly matches to generate revenue and increase brand recognition.
Just hours after sealing a 2–0 victory over Aston Villa in their final Premier League fixture of the season, Manchester United’s players and staff embarked on a long-haul journey to Asia, boarding a fifteen-hour flight to Malaysia.
The swift departure came on the heels of a short but poignant speech delivered by head coach Rúben Amorim on the pitch at Old Trafford. "This season is behind us, it’s over," he said, summing up a year that included highs, lows, and a relentless schedule that saw United compete in sixty matches across all competitions.
The team’s arrival in Kuala Lumpur marks the beginning of a brief yet strategic post-season tour of Asia, which serves dual purposes: engaging with United's massive global fanbase and securing much-needed revenue following a season of financial and sporting underperformance. On Wednesday just two days after landing in the Malaysian capital the Red Devils will face the ASEAN All Stars, a side comprised of standout international players from countries across Southeast Asia. Two days later, the squad will fly to Hong Kong for another exhibition match, this time against a representative team from the city.
These matches are not part of any official competition, but their significance goes beyond the pitch. Manchester United, one of the world’s most globally followed football clubs, continues to invest in international outreach as a key pillar of its commercial strategy. Southeast Asia, in particular, is a region where the club enjoys immense popularity, and this tour is expected to not only reinforce fan engagement but also attract sponsorships, merchandise sales, and future partnerships. According to reports, the short tour is projected to generate around €8.8 million in revenue an impressive sum considering the limited time frame. For comparison, that’s about half the annual salary of captain Bruno Fernandes, who is believed to earn €15.5 million per year according to The Athletic.
United’s squad for the tour includes 32 players, a mix of regular starters, returning faces, and some recovering from injury. Bruno Fernandes, despite an exhausting season, made the trip and remains the symbolic leader of the squad. Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who has been out since May 4 due to injury, also joined the team on the flight, suggesting he may be in line to return to training or at least support the group during the tour. Joshua Zirkzee, another Dutchman, has only recently returned from a hamstring injury but is also included. His presence could be an opportunity for him to find rhythm ahead of a summer full of national team commitments.
However, not all key players are part of the trip. Former Ajax defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martínez have stayed behind in Manchester to continue rehabilitation from injuries. Also absent is veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen, who has been granted permission to remain at home due to "personal reasons" amid speculation about his future at the club. With his contract nearing its end and reduced playing time this season, Eriksen is widely expected to part ways with United in the coming weeks.
The decision to embark on this post-season tour has drawn a variety of reactions from within the squad. Harry Maguire, one of the team’s more experienced figures, acknowledged the necessity of the trip despite its timing. “It’s the club’s decision, and after our performances this season, we don’t have the right to argue,” Maguire said candidly. “We must take responsibility for our league position and the financial consequences that come with it. We can’t blame the club for looking for ways to generate revenue for next season.”
Head coach Rúben Amorim, who only joined the club recently but has already made a strong impression with his direct communication and tactical ideas, defended the club’s commercial motives. In a recent interview with the BBC, he explained: “It’s a small sacrifice to connect with our fans around the world. Manchester United is a global institution. This trip gives us the opportunity to bring the team closer to the people who support us from afar. It’s also a moment to begin turning the page and look toward the future.”
Indeed, the timing of this tour is symbolic. Coming off a difficult season one that saw inconsistent league form, early exits in cup competitions, and mounting pressure on the squad it represents both a conclusion and a fresh start. The matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong, while technically friendlies, will give Amorim his first chance to work with the group in a more controlled, low-pressure environment. These games may not be about results, but they will be closely watched for signs of tactical evolution, team chemistry, and individual performances.
Once the Asia tour concludes, many players will swiftly pivot to national team duties. Portugal, featuring both Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, is set to play in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals on June 4. Other internationals in the squad will report to their respective federations for preparations ahead of tournaments or qualifiers. The short turnaround underscores just how little rest elite players receive in today’s congested football calendar.
Manchester United’s formal pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 campaign will begin on July 19, with their first official friendly scheduled as part of a broader summer tour. By then, fans and analysts alike will expect signs of progress, especially with Amorim having more time to implement his methods and potentially welcome new signings to reshape the squad.
The Asia tour may be brief, but its implications are far-reaching both commercially and sportingly. As Manchester United continues to navigate the balance between business and football, this trip stands as a reminder of the demands placed on modern clubs and the global nature of the game. For Amorim and his squad, it’s the first step on what they hope will be a journey back to the top.
