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In a curious twist ahead of the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, Manchester United sought assistance from their local rivals, Manchester City.
They requested seats on City’s private jet for two of their young stars, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Unfortunately, United’s request was denied, as City indicated that their chartered flight was fully booked with their own eight nominees and personnel.
The Premier League champions had organised a private flight for a delegation that included many award nominees, reflecting their recent successes across men’s and women’s squads.
City’s male nominees include Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Rodri, with Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp, and Khadija Shaw representing their women’s side.
Additionally, City’s emerging talent, Brazilian winger Savinho, joins Garnacho and Mainoo in the shortlist for the prestigious Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21.
United’s unusual request, reported by Mail Sport, is thought to be tied to cost-cutting and environmental considerations. The club has been implementing sustainability measures since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group earlier this year.
In an era where travel and carbon footprint concerns are front and centre, United may have deemed it inappropriate to arrange a separate private jet for just two players.
This approach aligns with a broader trend where clubs, including these two Manchester giants, have previously shared transportation for players returning from international matches to reduce environmental impact.
From United’s perspective could be perceived as somewhat embarrassing—a club of United’s stature, historically synonymous with financial power and independence, needing to request travel assistance from their fiercest local rivals.
Being turned down by City, who are themselves celebrating an impressive lineup of nominees, only sharpens the contrast between the two clubs’ fortunes and perhaps signals a humbling moment for United as they grapple with a new era of cost-conscious decision-making amid heightened competition and off the pitch.
Despite the logistical wrinkle, United quickly made alternate arrangements for Garnacho and Mainoo, ensuring their presence among football’s elite in Paris.
Arsenal, with stars like Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Mariona Caldentey, joins the ranks of English clubs with a strong presence at this year’s ceremony.