JUST IN: RUBEN AMORIM CONFIRMS URGENT MID SEASON TRIP AS UNITED CHASE LUCRATIVE SAUDI REVENUE
Ruben Amorim backs a mid-season trip to the Middle East as fixture changes create a gap in United's schedule.
Word is, Manchester United might head to Saudi Arabia for a friendly to make some extra cash. Their Premier League game against Everton has been moved to February 23, which frees up some time in their schedule. Since they're not in any European competitions this year, United is looking at playing a game during that gap.
Man Utd Thinking About Saudi Trip for Friendly
Because United didn't make it into European football, they've been hoping to set up a friendly match in Saudi Arabia to make some money. Now that the Everton game is set for February 23, this is looking more possible. They play West Ham on February 10, which leaves them with almost two weeks free, according to The Times.
This free time means they could go to Saudi Arabia, and they'd probably bring their main players. But, they'll wait until after their FA Cup game against Brighton before making a final call. If they beat Brighton, they have another game on Saturday, February 14, 2026, which could mess up their plans.
Manager Wants the Friendly
United's coach, Ruben Amorim, seems up for a mid-season friendly. He told reporters earlier that they need to do it to make up for missing out on Europe. He mentioned needing to take care of their fans and budget. He said they'll find the time to make it happen for their fans around the world.
Who Could They Play?
The Times says AC Milan is one possibility since they also have a gap in their schedule and aren't in European football.
There's also buzz about United playing against Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. A game against him could give United's finances a boost.
Ronaldo recently said he's sad to see his old club struggling. He told Piers Morgan he still cares about United but thinks they need smart people to build a future. He mentioned the team used to have young players who became stars, but now they don't have that structure. He hopes things change because the club has amazing potential.
What's Next for Man Utd?
For now, United is focusing on its Premier League performance. They want to bounce back after losing to Aston Villa. Next, they play Newcastle United on Boxing Day, and then Wolves come to Old Trafford on December 30. They'll have to play without their captain, Bruno Fernandes, for both games because he's injured.
GARETH BARRY URGES MANCHESTER UNITED TO SIGN ELLIOT ANDERSON FOR £100M
Gareth Barry identifies Elliot Anderson as the ideal Casemiro replacement as the Brazilian prepares to leave Man Utd.
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Gareth Barry, the former Premier League midfielder, thinks Manchester United should target Elliot Anderson to take Casemiro’s place. Casemiro, now 34, already said he’s leaving Old Trafford when his contract ends this summer.
United’s decision not to extend Casemiro’s deal fits with their plan to shake up the squad. They paid Real Madrid an initial £60 million for him in 2022, and with add-ons, the deal reached £70 million. Casemiro’s on big wages around £300,000 a week, which gets closer to £350,000 if United make the Champions League. There’s also uncertainty about Manuel Ugarte’s future. With both potentially on the way out, plenty of names are being floated as replacements.
Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, and Adam Wharton are all in the conversation, but Barry sees Anderson as the best option.
Talking to BOYLE Sports, Barry explained, “Manchester United will definitely be searching for someone to fill Casemiro’s shoes. Anderson isn’t the same kind of player, and there’s a big age difference, too. What he brings is pretty unique.
“I really rate Elliot Anderson. If you’re a United scout, you’re talking about him. Off the ball, there aren’t many better. He presses, he shuts down space, and he’s great at winning the ball back. Plus, he can play forward too.
“That’s why Thomas Tuchel starts him for England over some big names, and why he could easily start at the World Cup. I’m sure he’s getting discussed in various boardrooms, not just at Manchester United.
“If a move’s going to happen, it’s better to get it over the line quickly. It just makes everything smoother for both clubs and the player, especially with a big tournament coming up.”
Barry added, “No one wants uncertainty hanging over Anderson while he’s focused on England at the World Cup. It doesn’t help anyone. And if he has a standout tournament, his price could easily go up.
“So if everyone agrees it’s time for a move, getting the deal sorted before the World Cup just makes sense.”
Even so, Nottingham Forest won’t be keen to let Anderson go. Since joining Newcastle in 2024, he’s become a vital part of their midfield. Forest supposedly set its price at £100 million, but their relegation fight could change things. Right now, Vitor Pereira’s squad sits 16th in the table, just three points clear of the drop zone with seven games to play. names and
FA CHARGES HARRY MAGUIRE FOR "IMPROPER BEHAVIOR" FOLLOWING COSTLY BOURNEMOUTH DISMISSAL
Michael Carrick’s side faces a defensive crisis as Harry Maguire is charged by the FA for improper conduct.
Harry Maguire has been charged by the Football Association over his conduct following the red card he received in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
The defender was sent off after officials judged that he pulled back Evanilson inside the penalty area during their Premier League meeting last month. Maguire challenged the decision with both referee Stuart Atwell and fourth official Matt Donohue once VAR confirmed the call.
That penalty allowed Junior Kroupi to score the equaliser, helping Bournemouth claw back a point against Michael Carrick’s side.
According to an FA statement, Maguire faces charges relating to improper behaviour and/or the use of abusive or insulting language towards the fourth official after his dismissal. He has until April 2 to respond to these allegations.
As things stand, Maguire is due to serve a one-match ban for the red card, which would rule him out of Manchester United's game against Leeds at Old Trafford on April 13. If his ban is extended following this charge, he could also miss the clash with Chelsea on April 18, an encounter that could be crucial, given United sit third and hold a seven-point cushion over sixth-placed Chelsea in the battle for Champions League spots.
Earlier, Daily Mail Sport reported that Manchester United lodged a formal complaint with the PGMOL after the Bournemouth draw. The club were particularly frustrated over a denied second penalty, where Amad Diallo appeared to be brought down in the box while they led 1-0. Bournemouth then equalised through Ryan Christie in the ensuing play, and a VAR review did not overturn the decision, which may have swung momentum considerably.
Inside the United camp, there’s a sense that Maguire’s foul, which led to Bournemouth's second equaliser, mirrored the unpunished challenge on Diallo involving Adrien Truffert. That comparison fuels their belief that some decisions during the game didn’t go their way.
