A small sacrifice – Ruben Amorim defends Man United’s post-season Asia trip

Ruben Amorim has defended Manchester United’s post-season trip to Asia, saying it is a “small sacrifice” to reward the club’s global fan base while also potentially providing funds for team strengthening.

United announced on Tuesday that Amorim’s squad will travel to Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong straight after their final match of the campaign to play two friendlies.

The Red Devils host Aston Villa in the Premier League on May 25th and will then immediately fly out to Malaysia to face the ASEAN All Stars in the 84,000-seater Bukit Jalil National Stadium three days later.

United will then play Hong Kong, China, in the Hong Kong Stadium, on May 30th.

Asked if he had been consulted about the trip, Amorim told Sky Sports: “Yes of course. The board talked to me about this situation.

“We have to look at the context of the club. We are raising our tickets (prices) for our fans.

“We are doing all this so we have also to make sacrifice – and (it) is a small sacrifice. It will be six days and we make contact with our fans around the world.

“They come here every weekend to see games at Old Trafford, so everybody in the club is making sacrifices.

“This is nothing compared to what people are doing to watch our games. We will do our small part.

“We are lucky to be here and we move forward because that tour will help us also to maybe improve the team if we need.”

United had already confirmed their participation in the Premier League Summer Series in the United States in July and August.

They play West Ham in New Jersey on July 26th, Bournemouth in Chicago on July 30th and Everton in Atlanta on August 3rd before the Premier League season kicks off again on August 16th.

The issue of player welfare has again been thrust under the spotlight