Manchester United Completes Disputed $10M Asia Tour After Worst Premier League Season

Manchester United faced significant player discontent during their post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong following a disastrous 2024-25 campaign that ended with a 15th-place Premier League finish and a Europa League final loss. Players were reportedly "fuming" about the timing of the tour, with some forced to cancel personal plans and others pushing back on participation, leading the club to move up the flight departure to reduce withdrawals. Despite the grueling 60-game season, the squad tried to enjoy the trip with social events and a night out in Kuala Lumpur, although the tour began poorly with a 1-0 loss to the Asean All-Stars and included a goalkeeping error in their final match against Hong Kong, which they ultimately won 3-1. The tour, which generated around £10 million primarily through sponsorship deals, was seen by insiders as revenue-driven rather than a priority for player recovery or preparation. Fans and commentators criticized the decision to proceed with the tour, viewing it as an embarrassing extension of a painful season, with some players visibly reluctant during public appearances. The club and players sought to balance commercial commitments with morale, but the overall mood reflected frustration and disappointment after a trophyless and difficult year.