Manchester United failed to qualify for any European competition for the first time in 10 years last season, meaning that they'll have significantly fewer games to play this term
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United reacts after Jaidon Anthony of Burnley (not pictured) scores his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on August 30, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Manchester United will have plenty of spare time this season(Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Manchester United are in talks to play a series of lucrative midweek friendlies in order to fill the gaping void left by their lack of European football. The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last term and lost the Europa League final, resulting in them failing to qualify for Europe for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
United were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup last month in humiliating fashion, meaning that they're on track to play their fewest amount of matches in a season since the First World War - unless they reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Manager Ruben Amorim believes that there's a major silver lining, as he'll have work time on the training ground to work with his players. Amorim has also suggested that his team aren't yet ready to be competitive both domestically and in Europe.
But the bigwigs at Old Trafford have other plans, having missed out on a £100million payday after their failure to qualify for the Champions League. The Sun report that United are considering playing midweek matches against a host of other clubs on the continent who aren't involved European competition.
It's said that the likes of AC Milan, Lazio, RB Leipzig and Sevilla - who all find themselves in the same predicament as Amorim's side - are among their potential opponents.
In addition, the matches could be played in front of paying crowds, for example in the UAE. United, who have 11 free midweeks between now and Christmas, earned an estimated £7.8million during their post-season tour of Asia, boosting their financial resources ahead of the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Amorim is planning to take his squad on a number of team bonding trips during the season. The Portuguese reportedly reckons that visits to the Algarve and the Middle East would allow his players to spend more time in each other's company and strengthen their connection both on and off the pitch.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Harry Maguire of Manchester Utd applauds the fans after the 1-1 draw during the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Harry Maguire believes that Manchester United have an advantage because of their schedule
Ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, in which they've only won one of their four matches so far, defender Harry Maguire said that United's quieter schedule gives them 'no excuses' and an advantage over their rivals. "We're going to have a lot of time to prepare for the Premier League games, and we've got to make sure we're ready," Maguire told MUTV.
The Red Devils are back in Premier League action on Sunday. Maguire and Co. face bitter rivals City in this season's first Manchester derby.