By Dr Dan Plumley

3rd May, 2022 | 5:00pm

Finance guru: Aston Villa 'using Man United' to 'generate money' after official announcement

Aston Villa can piggyback on Man United’s worldwide appeal to begin to push their own global brand this summer.

That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Villa and United’s plans for pre-season.

Villa announced last Tuesday (26 April) that they will tour Australia in July, playing friendlies against the Red Devils, Leeds United and Brisbane Roar.

Villa’s turnover was £183.6million in 2020-21, while the Old Trafford giants turned over £494m.

Powerbrokers at Villa Park have made no secret of their plans to bring the club to global prominence.

And Plumley insists that they can use the pulling power of United to kickstart their quest for international recognition.

“I think it is realistic to generate global appeal, but it will take time,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.

“It’s no surprise to see Villa do it and other clubs looking at it as well.

“We know there are Premier League fans in Australia and Villa themselves will have a fanbase there, so you can tap into that.

“They are playing Leeds, a local club and Man United. Using Man United can be leverage in particular.

“It won’t be easy to catch the big six but you can use things like this to help begin to bridge the gap.

“With all the tech that clubs have got nowadays, you can track new fans around the world and keep in contact with them.

“You then need to put the processes in place to generate money in the long term.”

Villa will face Leeds and Brisbane Roar in the Champions Cup in Queensland between 17 and 20 July.

They then move on to Perth to face United in the Festival of Football event three days later.

In other news, door opens for Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle United to sign Stefan de Vrij after £15m reveal.