As the countdown to the Europa League final intensifies, Manchester United’s handling of ticket allocations and hospitality has sparked frustration among both players and fans.
Despite the possibility of a £100 million windfall and automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League, the club’s co-owners, Ineos, have opted to keep costs to a minimum.
This decision has led to widespread dissatisfaction, especially regarding the limited number of tickets available to players and the exorbitantly priced hospitality packages on offer.
Limited Tickets for Players
United’s players were left unhappy after being allocated just two complimentary tickets each for the upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao.
While the game promises to be a potential financial boon for the club, with a £100 million jackpot up for grabs, the players will have to make do with minimal perks.
They’ve been offered two free tickets for family and friends, along with seats on a charter flight to Spain that lands in Santander, located 60 miles from Bilbao.
However, the logistics of celebrating a potential victory are complicated.
The return flight leaves at 2:15 a.m. from Santander, meaning players and their guests won’t be able to stick around to enjoy the celebrations.
For additional tickets, players can buy up to 10 from UEFA, but they’d have to pay for the extra flights and accommodation.
Even if they consider booking a private jet, securing a last-minute landing slot in the Basque region is uncertain.
Fans Criticize High-Priced Packages
On top of the player discontent, United’s decision to offer corporate hospitality packages has drawn ire from supporters.
Some fans have voiced frustration after seeing prices soar for match tickets and travel packages.
For example, Sportsworld, United’s official travel partner, is offering day trips to Bilbao at prices starting from £1,850.
This includes a match ticket, a charter flight, and a pre-match meal.
The more luxurious two-night stays, complete with five-star accommodations and a pre-match function, cost a hefty £2,850.
The message accompanying these packages, “If you have not secured tickets through the club directly, don’t worry,” has particularly irked fans who were unable to secure tickets in the official ballot.
Supporters are questioning how United can justify such high prices, particularly when rival Tottenham is offering free tickets to all full-time employees, while United has reserved a small number of tickets for staff through a ballot.
Ruben Amorim’s Media Overload
Elsewhere, United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, continues to face criticism over his frequent media appearances.
Following a tough season and a disappointing loss to West Ham, Amorim has faced backlash for repeating the same sentiments in interviews.
Some fans have grown weary of hearing him speak about the team’s struggles, with one joking that Amorim might break the world record for the most interviews by a football manager.
However, Amorim is merely fulfilling his contractual obligations under Premier League rules, which require managers to speak with broadcasters and external media outlets before and after every match.
Despite the grumbling, the sheer volume of interviews is a direct result of United’s prominence, as broadcasters use his interviews to attract more viewers.
No Parade for Europa League Win
If United wins the Europa League, fans shouldn’t expect an elaborate parade anytime soon.
Even if United secures the victory against Spurs, there won’t be enough time to organize an open-top bus tour.
The team’s schedule is already packed, with preparations for the final home match of the season against Aston Villa and a post-season tour to Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Additionally, given the club’s poor league performance—currently sitting in 16th place—there wouldn’t be much cause for celebration anyway.
United has typically reserved parades for major achievements like winning the Premier League or Champions League, and they didn’t hold a parade after their Europa League win in 2017 or following their defeat of Villarreal in 2021.
Academy Players Await Tour Call-Up
As the end of the season approaches, attention is also turning to United’s upcoming post-season tour.
Ruben Amorim has committed to taking a strong squad to Hong Kong and Malaysia, but the makeup of the team might not be confirmed until the last minute.
Several senior players are reportedly unhappy about the long trip to the Far East, which starts with a match against the ASEAN All Stars in Kuala Lumpur.
Additionally, young academy players from the Under-18s and Under-21s teams are training in hopes of receiving a last-minute call-up to the tour.
While these players continue their preparations, there’s uncertainty surrounding their involvement, as decisions are still being made about who will travel with the senior squad.
Old Trafford Relic Sells for Big Money
In other news, an original bench from the Stretford End of Old Trafford has fetched an astonishing £49,600 at auction.
The bench, which was removed during the stadium’s redevelopment in 1992, was expected to sell for a fraction of this price, between £800 and £1,200.
This sale has set a new record for the most valuable supporters’ bench in football history, highlighting the deep emotional connection fans have with the club’s heritage.
With Manchester United planning to knock down and rebuild Old Trafford with a £2 billion project, this sale may serve as a reminder of the sentimental value of the stadium’s relics, which could become prized souvenirs for future fans.
Mitchell van der Gaag Supports Amorim
Finally, Mitchell van der Gaag, assistant to former United manager Erik ten Hag, has backed Ruben Amorim despite his struggles.
Van der Gaag, who played a key role in motivating the team during last season’s FA Cup victory, believes Amorim needs more time to make his mark.
Amorim, who was appointed in November, has had a difficult season, with only six wins in his 25 Premier League games.
Van der Gaag, who recently left United to pursue a managerial career, expressed his hope that the club will be patient with Amorim.
The challenges Amorim faces, from navigating club restructuring to managing expectations, have made his first season particularly tough.
Tyler Fletcher: A Rising Star
In brighter news, academy standout Tyler Fletcher, son of former United player Darren Fletcher, has made significant progress this season.
While he hasn’t yet broken into the first team, his development has been a topic of conversation in academy circles.
Fletcher, who was praised for his performances at Under-21 level, is showing maturity in his play and has emerged as a top contender for the Jimmy Murphy Player of the Year award.
With United’s attention increasingly focused on nurturing young talent, Fletcher’s growth could see him earning a spot with the senior squad in the near future.