[funkdoctorspock]

Last year we were treated to the United vs World XI friendly match. And over the years we have been treated to testimonials and other friendlies.

On the 21st of January, Manchester United will play a friendly in Saudi Arabia. A testimonial for Saudi legend Sami Al Jaber. This will be 2 days after United play Reading in an EPL matchup. Keep in mind that United are required to field a full side.

Now, another possible friendly during the season might happen. Israel's ambassador to Britain, Ron Prosor, proposed in a meeting to Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, to come to Israel to play in a friendly to celebrate the states 60th anniversary celebrations. You can probably bet that this friendly would also require a full side. [article will be shown below]

So here's my question to you. Should United be keeping friendlies during there season? If no, please state a reason why. If yes, indicate what circumstances would make it okay to have them.

Israel invites Manchester United to play during 60th anniversary celebrations

2 days ago

MANCHESTER, England - The Israeli government has invited Manchester United to play a match during the state's 60th anniversary celebrations.

United manager Alex Ferguson was asked to take his team to Israel later this year during a meeting Thursday at Old Trafford with Israel's ambassador to Britain, Ron Prosor.

"I formally invited Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United to visit Israel during the 60th anniversary," Prosor told The Associated Press. "I did not get a formal answer, but it seems very positive and I think we will try on both sides to get it to happen."

The defending Premier League champions would travel to Israel at the end of the European season in May, shortly after the anniversary, to play the Israeli national team. Last June, Spanish champion Real Madrid played a mixed Israeli-Palestinian team in a charity match at Ramat Gan stadium.

Ferguson was presented with a formal invitation, which didn't specify the potential opponent, although the national team is the preferred choice.

United hopes its season won't be over until the Champions Leaugue final on May 21 and is investigating the logistics of organizing the trip.

"We're flattered to be asked," United spokesman Phil Townsend said. "But at present we do not know how long the season will last, or what plans national teams may have for friendly internationals."

Israel's soccer team has a free summer after failing to qualify for the 2008 European Championship. England also failed to qualify, meaning United stars Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand would likely be available for selection.

England was held 0-0 by Israel in March's Euro 2008 qualifier in Tel Aviv.

United has never played in Israel, although Ferguson told Prosor he was in Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and has made subsequent visits.

Prosor has embarked on a public relations offensive since arriving in Britain two months ago in a bid to improve Israel's image.

He hopes soccer can foster peace with the Palestinians.

"There are a lot of supporters of Manchester United in Israel and for United to come out on the 60th anniversary can push football as a diplomatic tool in the region," he said. "Through football, we can bridge peace between people and enhance better understanding. Football is a game where you need discipline, teamwork and we're working together to achieve common targets and objectives in the region."

Later Thursday in Manchester, Prosor planned to hold talks with Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Eriksson has visited Israel in recent years to support an Israeli-Palestinian youth soccer initiative backed by Israeli President Shimon Peres and opened schools funded by Truce International, a charity which builds soccer pitches to promote peace.

Manchester United will be travelling to the Middle East later this month on an unprecedented mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia.

Between weekend Premier League and FA Cup matches, a friendly match will be played Jan. 21 against Al Hilal Al Saudi in Riyadh. It will be a testimonial match for retired Saudi Arabia striker Sami Al Jaber.

United announced plans Thursday for a weeklong off-season trip to South Africa in July.
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[scribe313]

I voted yes, because A. More people around the world get chance to watch Utd in their city.
B. Club get to experience various types of football 'styles' which differ from country to country.
However, I also think that they shouldnt have any friendlies when they have a match of importance coming up, eg. Big Four, or Champions League, Fa Cup etc.

[randy420]

I vote no. They're amazingly pointless, meaningless and ghey. Not to mention that it tires our players for no reason whatsoever.

[Torque]

I say yes. During this friendlies more subs and youngsters will get the chance to play, so that they could show what they've got!

[moley]

I say no I'd rather the players had a rest then have to fly around the world for meaningless game at such an important part of the season.

[.aK122]

Now first of all you've got to realise that Manchester United have one of the biggest fan bases around the world. This means that other teams or organisations will want to play against them as it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for them and it will bring in a vast amount of money. However, the Premiership is looking as if its going to be close until the end so in my opinion we shouldnt be travelling to the middle-east to play a friendly just a few days after we've played a premiership game as it wil tire-out our first team players.

[Dirtycheat]

Originally Posted by Mo.

Now first of all you've got to realise that Manchester United have one of the biggest fan bases around the world. This means that other teams or organisations will want to play against them as it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for them and it will bring in a vast amount of money. However, the Premiership is looking as if its going to be close until the end so in my opinion we shouldnt be travelling to the middle-east to play a friendly just a few days after we've played a premiership game as it wil tire-out our first team players.

agreed, but you mentioned money and trust me, money talks.


israel and saudi arabia are not poor and will be willing to pay top dollar to play against man united. It's a special occasion for them and its what keeps our world wide fan base so high.

i dont for one second think that our players will take the games seriously. I think it will just be an exhibition match and a chance to just get away from competitive football for a bit and prepare for the second half of the season. I dont expect players to go that extra mile to get the ball.

I think a lot of fringe players and/or players who are coming back from injury will use this game to improve their fitness and perhaps try to break into the squad.

[.aK122]

Mate, travelling to the middle-east and then playing a football match and then travelling back is not easy. Even if the players don't put in 110% the travelling will make them tired and you've got to realise that the players will have to come back and get back into the routine of full training straight away as we cant afford to slip-up and lose points.


- 100 POSTS!!

[crow182]

i vote no because i think there is more important matches during the league and united shoud be well prepared to them

[RobsonLegend]

I haven't voted yet because I don't see the "Hell F-ing No!" option.

I understand the money issue. I understand the appealing to the global fanbase issue. That's what the summer is for. There should be a self-imposed "friendlies window" of sorts, only open between mid/end of May and the first week of August.

Besides, one of the cases put forth for friendlies is so that youngsters/fringe players get some exposure. We already play those in-season exhibitions anyway: they're called Carling Cup matches.