Manchester United are planning to take an extraordinary gamble by
breaking off from their title defence to make a one-off visit to
Saudi Arabia that will raise inevitable questions about whether the
club's owners are putting finance before football.
Determined to build on a reputation as the world's best-supported
club, the Glazer family have provisionally agreed for the team to
make a 6,000-mile round trip to Riyadh in January for a testimonial
for the former Saudi Arabian international striker Sami Al-Jaber.
United will be paid more than £1m for sending their high-profile
players and Sir Alex Ferguson will be asked to put aside any
concerns about long flights, a different climate and gruelling
schedules.
Ferguson will undoubtedly have reservations given his determination
to keep his players free from fatigue. There would also be major
security issues for a visit the Middle East. Perhaps tellingly,
Barcelona and Real Madrid were both contacted before United but
refused because of the travel and security problems.
"We then approached Manchester United and they have agreed to
appear," Al-Jaber, who has recently retired after making 163
international appearances, said in Riyadh. The 34-year-old added
that a date had yet to be fixed, but "both sides have agreed
January".
United confirmed last night that talks are at an advanced stage and
Al-Jaber claimed there would be an official announcement from
Ferguson in London after Saturday's game at Arsenal.
The accountants at Old Trafford believe there could be major
financial benefits by building on the team's popularity in the
Middle East, though it seems unlikely Ferguson will be happy, even
if the temperatures in Riyadh in January are far less suffocating
than in the summer months.
Several players were unhappy about their pre-season touring the Far
East and it is doubtful, too, whether the trip will have any
support inside the dressing room.
BLOODY DUMB pointless trip!
Hope its not true!
