Manchester United have defended their trip to Saudi Arabia where they will play a full-strength side in a testimonial match on Tuesday.

It is believed the exhibition game, which is being played to pay tribute to former Saudi skipper Sami Al-Jaber, will earn United £1m.

But chief executive David Gill insists the club's financial interests are not being put before those of the team.

He said: "We get lots of opportunities to play overseas. I always discuss them with Alex and if it didn't work out with the football side, we wouldn't do it."

Ferguson has, however, already complained about a crowded fixture list and admitted that the trip could be detrimental.