Penny-pinching Man Utd ‘ask Man City to give players lift in private plane to Ballon d’Or’ but get REJECTED by rivals

United are alleged to have considered two factors before making the request

Posted Monday, October 28, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk

MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs took an embarrassing hit in their efforts to save money after Manchester City rejected their request for a lift to the Ballon d'Or ceremony, according to reports.

New United part owners Ineos have embarked on a cost-cutting crusade since taking control of the football operation at Old Trafford.

Man Utd chiefs asked Man City if two players could go in their private jet to the Ballon d'Or

This saw 250 members of staff let go in the summer and Sir Alex Ferguson chopped from his £2million-a-year role.

The latest efforts to cut costs saw United ask bitter rivals Man City if they could give a lift to Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to go to the Ballon d'Or ceremony.

According to the Daily Mail, City have chartered a private jet to take their players over to Paris for the awards show on Monday.

However, City rejected the request from United because the flight was full with their eight nominees.

The report adds that alternative arrangements have now been arranged.

United had placed the request because the idea of sending two players on a private jet was not seen as a good look.

The club's carbon-footprint was also said to be a factor.

Sharing flights is a common theme for clubs when players are traveling for international duty from places such as South America.

Premier League champions City have the most players at the awards of any English club.

They have four players in the men's section of the awards - Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Rodri - and a further three in the women's award - Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw.

Savinho is also up for the Kopa Trophy award, which recognises the best young player, going up against Garnacho and Mainoo.

However, they are set to be left disappointed, with Vinicius Jr the reported favorite to win the men's award, though Rodri is said to be his closest challenger ahead of 2023 Kopa Trophy winner Jude Bellingham.

Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmatí is the favorite to retain her crown in the women's award.