Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Manchester United: A final showdown in Saudi?
Manchester United are once again at the intersection of football, finance, and global politics. According to reports, the club is considering a mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia that could include an exhibition match in Riyadh. The idea? Generate much-needed revenue after missing out on Champions League football and support ambitious stadium plans—possibly with a headline-grabbing reunion match against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. But while the financial upside is clear, the ethical questions and potential fan backlash are just as real. Is this savvy business or a short-sighted move?
A controversial move under consideration'
Manchester United are exploring the idea of a mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia for a lucrative exhibition match in Riyadh. First reported by The Athletic, the proposal is still in its early stages but has already sparked debate. With United facing financial and competitive pressure, the idea reflects a broader shift in how clubs pursue revenue away from the pitch.
United’s revenue is up, so why worry?
The club recently reported record revenues of £666.5 million for the 2024/25 financial year, a modest 0.7% increase year-on-year. But despite the headline figure, deeper concerns persist. United posted a net loss of £33 million, and more importantly, forecasted a decline in income for 2025/26. That’s a bad look when you’re trying to finance a £2 billion, 100,000-seat stadium project.
On-pitch failure, off-pitch consequences
Last season’s 15th-place finish in the Premier League—United’s worst in over half a century—has had a direct financial impact. The club missed out on Champions League qualification, losing out on over £120 million in potential earnings from prize money, matchday income, and commercial boosts. The Europa League final loss to Spurs didn’t help either.
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Saudi Arabia: an emerging sports power
A game in Riyadh wouldn’t just bring in matchday revenue. It would deepen United’s presence in the Middle East—now one of the most strategically important regions in global sport. Through Riyadh Season and PIF investments, Saudi Arabia is drawing high-profile events like F1, boxing mega-fights, and possibly even WrestleMania in 2027.
Ronaldo reunion could be a gold mine
The biggest commercial draw? A potential rematch against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. Such a matchup could be positioned as Ronaldo’s final clash with his former club—guaranteeing global attention, massive ticket sales, and millions in sponsorship. Some estimates suggest this alone could double the value of United’s recent Asia tour, which brought in £8 million.
Lessons from PSG and Messi
United’s new Chief Commercial Officer, Marc Armstrong, has direct experience here. While at PSG, he oversaw a high-profile Riyadh match in 2024 featuring Messi and Ronaldo. His knowledge of event logistics, legal frameworks, and financial structuring would be critical in making a United match in Saudi Arabia both viable and profitable.
Ethics and image: the looming backlash
But not everyone will be on board. Critics argue the trip prioritizes cash over sporting integrity or fan values. Concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record could also provoke backlash—from fans, advocacy groups, and even existing sponsors with ESG commitments. Public perception is a real risk United would have to manage carefully.
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Timing is everything
Any match would need to comply with Premier League rules, including timing around scheduled fixtures and TV broadcasts. While a mid-season friendly is not unprecedented—United toured Spain during the 2022 World Cup break—this would be a different kind of move: openly commercial, not just logistical or fitness-driven.
Strategic or short-sighted?
The plan may be polarizing, but for United’s leadership—especially under Sir Jim Ratcliffe—it’s a potential financial bridge while longer-term projects take shape. Without Champions League money and with stadium ambitions on the line, every revenue opportunity matters. A Saudi trip could provide a short-term boost—but carries long-term reputational stakes.
All eyes on Old Trafford’s next move
At this stage, nothing is confirmed. The club is weighing its options, considering fan sentiment, financial upside, and political optics. But one thing is clear: in the modern game, big clubs can’t afford to think small—and every decision is now global.
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