Manchester United Considering Playing Friendlies to Replace European Play

Manchester United are reportedly looking into the possibility of playing several lucrative overseas friendlies to make up for a loss of revenue in the absence of European football in 2014-15, according to The Associated Press' Rob Harris.   

The club's managing director, Richard Arnold, confirmed the news, as United will look to build on a strong pre-season tour in the United States:

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That's something we continue to look at, as always making sure that the preparations we do on the pitch come first. For many years of our (pre-season) international tours, there is a plan to ensure we get that team building that goes together with getting the team all together in one place. That's something that's being looked at with regards to the future (friendlies) with Louis (Van Gaal).

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According to Harris, failure to qualify for any of the European competitions last season will result in an estimated 10 percent revenue drop, and a number of friendlies in exotic markets could help offset those losses.

The Middle East was named as an example, and matches played in that area would also see the squad escaping the British winter weather for short spells while serving as powerful team-building moments.

Arnold quickly dispelled the notion Louis van Gaal could potentially oppose adding friendlies to the schedule, saying he understands the commercial possibilities:

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I can only speak positively of my experience with the manager in terms of his understanding of what's required to get a first-class team onto the pitch and also what's required for running a club of our magnitude. We have a fantastic partnership in terms of our work off the pitch and I'm very appreciative of the support we have had from him.

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The star power of the likes of Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie would surely attract big crowds in the lucrative markets of the Middle East, simultaneously helping the club expand its brand on a global scale.

Injuries could be a minor concern, although Van Gaal would obviously hold out top players suffering from knocks and give his biggest stars limited minutes. Younger players like Adnan Januzaj and James Wilson could be in line for more minutes, and a series of friendlies could help the squad grow as a whole.

The Red Devils likely won't entertain the option before the current injury crisis in midfield is over, and logistically, many questions will need to be answered before any concrete plans could be made regarding the first series of friendlies played during the 2014-15 season.

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