Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Former Manchester United player and current Hong Kong coach Ashley Westwood did not mince words when discussing Manchester United’s post-season tour of Asia. Westwood, who won the FA Youth Cup with United in 1995, understands the pressures and demands that come with representing the English champions. He emphasized the commercial nature of the trip, stating that fans and sponsors ultimately fund the wages of the players.
Despite a shaky start in Hong Kong, where United trailed against a lower-ranked national team, two young acquisitions from Arsenal, Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, secured a victory for the Red Devils. The trip, estimated to generate around £10m for the club, primarily serves commercial purposes, allowing United to maintain existing sponsorship deals with various partners like Maybank and Malaysia Airlines.
The players’ participation in the tour was obligatory, with some key figures like Andre Onana and Harry Maguire leaving early to attend commercial obligations in Mumbai, arranged by the club’s sponsors. Despite the relaxed approach to the tour, marked by off-the-field activities and lackluster performances on the pitch, the players were met with criticism and indifferent reactions from fans and opponents alike.
Manchester United’s tour in Malaysia also raised concerns about the future of captain Bruno Fernandes amidst reports of a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal. The team’s lackluster performance and dwindling commercial appeal highlighted the challenges facing the once-dominant club in a changing football landscape. While United may consider returning to the region in the future, manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the importance of achieving successful results to enhance the overall experience for fans and stakeholders
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.