 "Manchester United have been cutting costs since the Jim Ratcliffe-owned INEOS group acquired a 25 per cent stake in the club in February. Reuters")
It’s not just their struggles on the field that have drawn ridicule for Manchester United in the ongoing season. The 20-time English top-flight champions found themselves in an embarrassing situation after reportedly asking Manchester City to offer their players a lift for the Ballon d’Or ceremony that takes place in Paris on Tuesday.
United have been on a cost-cutting spree since the Jim Ratcliffe-owned INEOS assumed sporting control of the Premier League giants in February this year by acquiring a 25 per cent stake, as a result of which legendary former manager Alex Ferguson is set to be removed as club ambassador at the end of the season and 250 staffers have been released.
According to Daily Mail, the Erik ten Hag-coached side even went to the extent of asking Manchester City if Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could fly with their Ballon d’Or-bound players in their private jet. United, however, were left red-faced after defending Premier League champions City turned down their request by telling them there was no room on board.
United’s management, who have been forced to make their own arrangements as a result, had reportedly made the request to their city rivals keeping carbon footprint in mind as sending just two players on a private jet would give the club a bad name.
Garnacho and Mainoo have been nominated for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under the age of 21 in the previous season. City, on the other hand, have eight players nominated for the upcoming awards who will fly to the French capital following their 1-0 league victory over Southampton at home.
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who is the leading goal-scorer this Premier League season with 11 strikes, is among the players nominated for the main ‘Golden Ball’ award that is given to the best player in European football in the previous season.
Rodri, Phil Foden and Ruben Dias the other City players nominated for the award that Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has won a record eight times.