Man United's sad fate: 'Side gigs' to earn extra money

Manchester United are facing their thinnest schedule since the season 1914/1915, as they are set to play just 40 games in the ongoing campaign. The failure to qualify for any of the three European competitions and early eliminations from the EFL Cup and the FA Cup limited the Red Devils to the Premier League competition only, so the math is clear.

However, apart from a blow to the club's ambitions and expectations, the lack of home games will cause significant financial troubles. Last season, United earned around £160 million in match-day income - mainly thanks to their incredible UEFA Europa League run - while the current campaign will bring them more than £50 million less.

The lowest Man United have been since World War I

It's a financial gap that has to be filled, and the Manchester side's management reportedly has a solution. As sad as it may sound to everyone who remembers United's glorious days, they may be forced to do some "side gigs", i.e. play friendly matches against rich teams willing to pay to lock horns with the EPL giants.

They have recently been in a similar situation, as their failure to qualify for the Champions League triggered a clause requiring them to pay £10 million to their kit supplier, Adidas. The club covered 80% of that amount thanks to its pre-season tour in Asia.

Defeats to the fourth-tier side Grimsby and Brighton in their maiden EFL Cup and FA Cup matches of the campaign left a gap in United's finances as well as in their schedule, so several clashes against, for instance, some sides from Saudi Arabia - with whose authorities they had reportedly already had talks - in mid-February and mid-March could prove financially beneficial.

Nevertheless, it's tragic that a European and English giant and a club of Manchester United's size has come to this point. Hopefully, better days are ahead for the Red Devils...

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 22

Saturday

Man. United - Man. City 2-0 (0-0)

/Mbeumo 65, Dorgu 76/

Chelsea - Brentford 2-0 (1-0)

/Pedro 26, Palmer 76 pen/

Leeds - Fulham 1-0 (0-0)

/Nmecha 90+1/

Liverpool - Burnley 1-1 (1-0)

/Wirtz 42 - Edwards 65/

Sunderland - Crystal Palace 2-1 (1-1)

/Le Fee 33, Brobbey 71 - Pino 30/

Tottenham - West Ham 1-2 (0-1)

/Romero 64 - Summerville 15, Wilson 90+3/

Nott. Forest - Arsenal 0-0

Sunday

Wolverhampton - Newcastle 0-0

Aston Villa - Everton 0-1 (0-0)

/Barry 59/

Monday

23.00: (1.90) Brighton (3.80) Bournemouth (4.20)

***odds are subject to change***