Rising Debts, Roaming Dreams: United's Saudi Plan and Ronaldo in the Spotlight

Context and Considerations

Manchester United is weighing a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to offset the sizeable losses the club has endured in recent months, a move that mirrors the deep financial strain currently affecting the English powerhouse.

The proposed trip could open the door to a high-profile clash with Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese star who left United in 2022 to join Al Nassr, following an often publicized split with club executives and former manager Erik ten Hag.

Such a match would amount to a global spectacle given Ronaldo's market appeal and enormous regional following, potentially delivering a cash windfall United badly needs to stabilize the books.

The club's administration has already begun early talks with several commercial partners to map out the plan, including scheduling and potential opponents, according to The Sun.

While names such as AC Milan, Sevilla, RB Leipzig, and Lazio have been floated, the Ronaldo fixture is expected to remain the centerpiece, per the same paper.

Financial Struggles and Strategic Options

A bold label underlines a harsh reality: United have been battling a crippling debt in the hundreds of millions of pounds, a situation that forced owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to take drastic steps, including cutting roughly 450 staff from the payroll.

Ratcliffe himself described the predicament as "a big problem that cannot be buried," stressing that the changes are painful but essential to save the club's future.

The absence from European competition this season has dealt a severe blow, particularly after the Europa League final loss to Tottenham in May, depriving United of a hefty prize tied to Champions League participation.

Adding to the pressure, an early exit from the EFL Cup against a lower-league side meant the schedule wasn't as congested as feared, potentially freeing up space for a lucrative friendly to plug the financial gap.

Historically, Manchester United have long enjoyed global wealth thanks to a broad fanbase across Asia and the Middle East, but on-pitch struggles since 2013 have dented commercial revenues and brand value.

The club's recent sponsorships—mega deals in the mid-to-late 2010s—slotted alongside a relatively quieter European presence; repeated absences from the Champions League diminished appeal for some investors, complicating cash-raising efforts.

Road Map and Fan Reactions

Management has reportedly explored a potential alternative like a documentary film in the vein of "fly-on-the-wall" formats used by other clubs on streaming platforms, but that project was scrapped at the last minute, sparing United from additional revenue streams—at least for now.

Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese coach linked with United, may be open to the Saudi trip not merely for finance but as a winter training base in warm locales, a move that could help players regain fitness during England's winter schedule.

Beyond the money, staging a high-profile friendly in Saudi Arabia would generate enormous public interest, especially amid the league's rapid growth after attracting stars like Ronaldo, Benzema, Neymar, and Mahrez, helping United broaden its global footprint.

Historically, other European giants have used mid-season exhibitions abroad to offset financial pressure—Barcelona and Real Madrid have staged paid friendlies in the Middle East and the United States, while Juventus and Milan have staged Asia tours to supplement income.

Fans remain divided: some see such steps as pure commercial ventures that threaten club identity, while others argue that the financial squeeze leaves little room for luxury when the aim is to remain competitive at the top level.

What Ronaldo's own stance would be if a deal with Al Nassr were struck remains uncertain; he is the same figure who criticized United in a widely publicized interview with Piers Morgan before his departure, a split that still lingers in some corners.

Still, United supporters worldwide continue to revere Ronaldo, the talisman who helped the club win its most recent Champions League title in 2008.

Punchline 1: If United pull this off, expect budget sheets to start wearing rose-tinted glasses—and yes, the accountants might finally admit they’re human after all.

Punchline 2: Ronaldo scores and the Saudis cheer; the club signs a sponsorship deal, and suddenly the transfer window looks like a clearance sale at a luxury store—names not included, but money definitely is.