It should be a time for excitement at Manchester United and their fans. A European final is on the horizon, and the Red Devils are one win away from silverware and a UEFA Champions League return. But behind the scenes, not everything is rosy.
As per reports from the Daily Mail, players are upset with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe over a controversial recent decision. Each player has been given just two complimentary tickets for the Europa League final in Bilbao as they do battle with Tottenham on May 21.
That’s right - only two spots for friends or family, in a game that could define their season. For players hoping to share this special moment with loved ones, two tickets barely scratches the surface.
One United star reportedly told teammates, "We work all season for this, and now we can’t even bring our families to celebrate properly."
To make matters worse, the guests have to fly into Santander, a city more than an hour from Bilbao. The return flight? Also from Santander, and at 2:15 a.m [local time]!
That means post-match celebrations with family will likely be short or skipped entirely. Not exactly the dream ending after 90 minutes [or extra time] of hard work and potential glory.
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How much can Man United earn by winning the Europa League?
United could earn up to £100m [$133m] if they win the final, du to the cash pot available via a place in the UCL next season.
Still, Ratcliffe and INEOS are reportedly keeping a close eye on overall club spending. Players can buy up to 10 extra tickets for the final - but they’ll need to cover the cost of those, along with travel and hotels.
On the flip side, Tottenham’s staff are being treated to a different story.
Both clubs have received about 15,000 tickets each for the final. While Spurs are giving a free ticket to every full-time staff member, United only reserved a limited number of tickets for staff through a ballot system.
United staff not traveling to Spain have been invited to a screening in Manchester… with two free drinks. Hardly the same vibe as a cup final party in Bilbao!
Ruben Amorim is covering expenses for 30 members of his coaching and medical team to attend with their families. "My reaction was to help," Amorim said, adding that everyone 'deserved to share the moment'.
With emotions running high and tickets running low, it seems the only thing tighter than the United defense lately is the club’s travel budget.
Manchester United news and related links
- Gary Neville makes blunt call on Man Utd squad ahead of Europa League final vs. Tottenham
- Former Man Utd sporting director Dan Ashworth joins FA in key leadership role
- Man Utd close in on first senior summer signing as talks hit 'advanced stages'