Manchester United made a somewhat surprising request to neighbours Manchester City ahead of next week's Ballon d'Or ceremony, but it appears their 'cost-cutting' efforts were unsuccessful.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are scheduled to attend the star-studded event in Paris on Monday after they were shortlisted for the prestigious Kopa Trophy award.
Given to the best performing player under the age of 21, previous winners include Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Matthijs de Ligt, Pedri and Gavi.
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This year, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal has been nominated for the Kopa Trophy alongside Arda Guler, Joao Neves, Warren Zaire-Emery and Manchester City's Savinho, who impressed on loan with Girona last season.
The Brazilian winger, who signed for the Premier League club in July, will join fellow City players Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Rodri, Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw on a chartered private jet to Paris, according to the Daily Mail.
But he will not be sat next to fellow nominees Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
That's right. It has emerged that United asked their neighbours if they 'had any room' for Mainoo and Garnacho but were informed that there was no space on the flight. It is said alternate arrangements had to be arranged.
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The report goes on to claim that the club were wary of sending two players on a private jet as it's 'not a good look' in the current climate.
United applying 'cost-saving measures' following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS is also mentioned.
Last month, United's chief executive officer Omar Berrada released a statement to accompany the club's full-year financial results. Here, he discussed becoming more “financially sustainable” after the club posted a loss of £113.2 million.
INEOS have been ruthless with their approach to restructure. Earlier this year, they cut 250 jobs this summer as part of a determination to slash costs and scrap some "non-essential" activities.
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Sir Dave Brailsford, who has played a key role in football operations at United since the INEOS takeover, has led a wide-ranging review of club operations,
Here's how fans on social media have reacted to the reports.
One wrote: "These cost cutting measures are going too far," and a second commented: "Asking if the two players who scored in the FA Cup final can get on your plane is so shameless. Talk about cost cutting."
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A third commented: "Every single financial decision INEOS make is taken because of the erroneous and irresponsible spending of the previous ownership. I understand everyone is looking for a stick to beat United with but do not focus the negative energy on the ones taking responsibility for change."
A fourth added: "This seems like non-news to me. Both clubs in Manchester, why can't they share a private jet and be more environmentally conscious? They aren't playing a game, it's an awards show."
As well as establishing themselves under Erik ten Hag, both United players were selected by their countries for recent tournaments, with Mainoo starting the Euro 2024 final for England and Garnacho featuring in Argentina's Copa America campaign.
Topics: Manchester City, Manchester United, Premier League
Jack Kenmare