Ineos have just made their worst decision since taking over Manchester United, it’s a pure money-grab

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Manchester United need less fixtures and not more, and the latest decision from Ineos is a disappointing one.

The last two years, Manchester United’s preparations have been derailed by inconvenient yet money-spinning pre-season tours.

In 2023, United played eight pre-season matches in five different countries, with players complaining at the travel schedule, before a woeful injury-hit season.

2024 saw a slightly more compact schedule with United heading to the US again. It was an unfortunate tour with Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro suffering injuries, just like Kobbie Mainoo the year before.

Unlucky? Yes. But there’s room for improvement in the organisation and planning of these tours, along with an acceptance that money-spinning pre-season is good for the club financially.

The one thing United had veered away from was the money-spinning post-season tours. Until now.

Why Manchester United are now going on post-season tour

Post-season tours have become the latest cash-grab for clubs in recent seasons. Tottenham and Newcastle are among the clubs to do so.

Last year Spurs and Newcastle visited Australia, and it was farcical, with an under-strength Newcastle side thrashed 8-0 by the A-League All-Stars.

Manchester United are now set to fly to Malaysia after the Premier League season completes, to play in a friendly. This is before another expected pre-season tour in the USA.

With pre-season, there is at least the excuse that the games are valuable for player’s minutes, to build up fitness ahead of the new season.

Post-season tours are simply a money-grab. It is claimed via The Athletic that Manchester United could net £8 million out of the post-season plans.

Ineos worst decision yet

Manchester United’s post-season tour is a cynical financial ploy, with no benefits to the players. There is an extra risk of injury after a long season.

If there is a year to do it, 2025 may be tolerable as there is no summer tournament. Yet do you really believe this is a one-off, and won’t be repeated in 2026, 2027, 2028 and so on?

2024/25 has been shaping up as a difficult season for United. Prolonging it further is not ideal. The players and staff could benefit from the extra time out to reset and refocus ahead of 2025/26.

New investors Ineos have been cutting back at the club, to try and deal with the difficult financial situation.

And from that perspective, the easy-win of a few million from a post-season game is understandable tempting for them.

It is exciting news for the many Manchester United fans in Malaysia – but why not simply head there on pre-season instead?

There is a chance United rest many first team players for the trip, leading to fans potentially being left disappointed at not seeing the big names.

Post-season tours is one of the modern aspects of football we don’t like, and it is a shame to see Manchester United get on board.