Why Ineos rejecting a £10m Saudi mid-season tour protects Michael Carrick’s Champions League bid

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Manchester United are currently on a small break from Premier League football and Ineos have decided not to fill the gap with a mid-season trip.

With no European football this season, Manchester United were prepared for a 2025/26 season with fewer games.

Because of early exits in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, United will play the bare minimum of 40 games this season.

All focus is on the Premier League and United currently sit fourth. Michael Carrick and his squad are currently enjoying a small break before facing Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

There were reports of Ineos considering a Saudi Arabia mid-season trip to raise funds for the club, but it seems the decision-makers behind the scenes have scrapped that idea.

Man United are not going on a mid-season trip

According to finance expert Kieran Maguire, United’s Saudi trip would have generated £10m for the club at a time where United are looking to balance their books.

Ineos launched ‘Project 90’ to try and raise United’s revenue, and this February gap would have been an ideal slot to play mid-season friendlies.

Prove me wrong: Michael Carrick has already shown enough to become permanent Man United manager.

13 points from 15 would be title winning form over a full season…

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Before he was sacked, Amorim accepted mid-season friendlies as a necessity, but the goal this season has shifted ever since Michael Carrick has taken charge.

Carrick remains unbeaten as United boss after five games in charge, winning four and drawing once. It means the Red Devils are up to fourth in the Premier League table, and Champions League qualification is now in sight.

Man United are prioritising Champions League qualification

Sporting director Jason Wilcox has made Champions League the goal this season, and it would have a transformative effect on the club’s finances.

Qualifying for the Champions League is worth more than £100m, meaning United’s transfer window and overall financial health would completely change.

READ MORE: New Opta study reveals Man United’s updated chances of qualifying for Champions League after West Ham draw

With just 12 games remaining this season, it seems Ineos are happy to prioritise Carrick’s push for Champions League football by minimising distractions such as a mid-season tour.

Travelling to Saudi Arabia and playing in friendly matches would have risked injury and fatigue ahead of a crucial run of fixtures to the end of the campaign.