Man Utd Consider Taking Drastic Action As £50m Loss Predicted

Manchester United may take drastic action to offset a predicted £50 million loss in the wake of their FA Cup exit.

Man United dropped out of the FA Cup on Sunday after losing their third-round tie at home to Brighton.

Under temporary boss Darren Fletcher, the Red Devils crashed out of the competition following their crushing 2-1 defeat.

Having been dumped out of this season's Carabao Cup in their opening tie, early exits in both domestic cup competitions and no European football means Man United's season will consist of just 40 games.

The last time they played fewer was in the 1914/15 campaign, where they played 39 games.

Early exits will hit Man United financially, with a figure of £53.5 million suggested based on last season's figures, according to the Telegraph.

Manchester United were eliminated from the FA Cup following their 2-1 home defeat to Brighton. Image: Getty

Man United can play a maximum of only 20 home games this season, which is a far cry from last season that consisted of 30 home fixtures, having reached the Europa League final.

£160.3 million was generated in matchday income, equating to £5.34 million per game at Old Trafford.

Manchester United may take action to offset a £50 million hole. Image: Getty

As a result, Man United could explore the idea of a money-spinning mid-season friendly amid their thinnest schedule since 1915.

The club went on a post-season tour of Asia just days after finishing the 2024/25 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.

It netted around £8 million, which was able to offset a £10 million payment to kit supplier Adidas for failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Where could Manchester United play their mid-season friendly?

The idea of Man United playing a mid-season friendly has been explored since October.

And, per the report, those plans may harden now they are due to have even more free midweeks.

A trip to Saudi Arabia has been mooted, having held talks with Saudi sports supremo Turki Alalshikh, who has been influential in making the big fights in boxing, including the undisputed heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

Manchester United have held talks with Turki Alalshikh about visiting Saudi Arabia. Image: Getty

Alalshikh is the driving force behind Riyadh Season - an annual entertainment and sports festival which hosts major events, including tennis, boxing and darts.

It runs from October to March but can go beyond those months and outside of Saudi Arabia, with London and Los Angeles staging Riyadh Season events in the past.