The Times:
Manchester United, never a club to pass up the opportunity to make a fast buck, plan to try to make up for their elimination from the Champions League by squeezing in a highly lucrative friendly match in the Middle East just days before the Carling Cup final against Wigan Athletic on February 26.
United are considering an invitation to play in an exhibition game on February 21 in either Dubai or Qatar. With about £2 million on offer, in addition to the chance to impress any companies thinking of bidding to replace Vodafone as the club’s kit sponsor, the Old Trafford hierarchy will tell Sir Alex Ferguson and his players that they have no choice but to take time out from their preparations for the final in Cardiff, if the terms offered are right.
Neil Custis in The Sun:
Manchester United are risking a players’ revolt just days before the Carling Cup final.
United stars are alarmed they are being asked to play a friendly in Qatar in the week leading up to their clash with Wigan on February 26.