Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show Man Utd’s stadium plans, Saudi Friendlies & Sunderland at Old Trafford
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Oct 2, 2025 Laurie Whitwell, a Manchester United reporter for The Athletic, dives into the intricacies of Old Trafford's stadium development and the potential financial impact of mid-season friendlies in Saudi Arabia. Chris Witherspoon, a financial writer and Sunderland fan, analyzes the staggering £55 million cost of managerial changes at United. They also discuss Sunderland's solid start to the season and the significance of the upcoming match against United, focusing on player fitness and confidence as pivotal factors in the team's performance.
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Canopy Plans May Be Dropped
- Manchester United’s original stadium concept with a canopy is now being reconsidered because Freightliner land-price disputes make the design impractical.
- Laurie Whitwell says the club is drawing contingency plans without the canopy while funding and compulsory purchase options are explored.
2008 Saudi Friendly Memory
- Andy Mitten recalls a 2008 mid-season United trip to Saudi with 60,000 attending, despite visa difficulties and odd anecdotes about entering as company reps.
- He uses the story to underline how lucrative and popular such overseas friendlies can be.
Mid-Season Friendlies To Fill Revenue Gap
- Manchester United are exploring mid-season friendlies, notably in Saudi Arabia, to recoup lost revenues from missing European football.
- Laurie Whitwell notes the idea is commercially driven and may clash with Ruben Amorim’s preference for midweek training.