It’s usually a glitzy affair—the kind of black-tie event where Manchester United’s top stars, legends in the making, and up-and-coming academy talents all come together to celebrate the season.
But this year? That tradition is being quietly shelved.
Instead of tuxedos, speeches, and champagne toasts, the end-of-season awards will be handed out on the Old Trafford pitch before their final Premier League match against Aston Villa.
No fancy dinner, no fanfare.
A Season That Fell Flat
According to The Times, the reason for the cancellation is painfully simple: it’s been a season to forget.
With United languishing near the bottom of the table—sitting 16th with 17 defeats—the club’s leadership reportedly decided that throwing a celebration just wouldn’t sit right.
It’s a far cry from the glory days of title chases and silverware parties.
This isn’t the first time United has skipped the ceremony.
They also called it off after finishing eighth last season and again in 2022 when they ended up sixth.
But this year’s decision stings more, as they’re guaranteed their worst Premier League finish in history.
Bruno Likely to Retain Top Honors—Quietly
Even without the dinner, the accolades are still being handed out.
Bruno Fernandes, last season’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, is widely expected to win it again.
Past winners include club icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, and Roy Keane—names that echo a very different era for the Red Devils.
This time, though, the applause will come not from a grand ballroom but from fans in the stands.
Cutbacks, Tight Schedules, and Low-Key Celebrations
The canceled dinner is part of a broader belt-tightening at Old Trafford.
The club has reportedly slashed staff numbers significantly—from around 1,100 employees down to 700—as part of an aggressive cost-cutting push.
And it’s not just the dinner on the chopping block.
United also isn’t planning a trophy parade if they manage to win the Europa League final against Tottenham.
Instead, they’ll mark any potential victory with a quiet barbecue at their training ground.
Yes, you read that right—a barbecue.
Manager Ruben Amorim even had to dig into his own pockets to cover tickets for 30 backroom staff and their families to attend the Europa League final in Bilbao, after the club reportedly declined to offer complimentary seats.
Off to Asia, Then Straight to International Duty
Logistics have also played a role in scaling things back.
As soon as the final whistle blows on their Premier League campaign, the team jets off to Asia for a post-season tour.
They’re scheduled to play in Kuala Lumpur on May 28 and in Hong Kong on May 30.
After that, many players head straight into international duty—with barely a breather in between.
What’s Next?
With two league matches to go and the Europa League final looming, the season isn’t quite over yet.
But with celebrations kept low-key and the club navigating its most difficult era in recent memory, it’s clear Manchester United is facing some serious reflection—and maybe, just maybe, a reset.