Manchester United Players Unhappy with Europa League Final Travel Arrangements

Strategic Insights -

Manchester United stars are allegedly unhappy with the two complimentary tickets each have been offered for the Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao. Despite the team being in a position to win a £100million jackpot, co-owners Ineos are determined to keep costs to a minimum. The squad will also receive seats on a charter flight to Spain, which lands in Santander on the morning of the game, but they and their families will not be able to celebrate with the team if they win, as the return flight from Santander leaves at 2.15am.

Key Takeaways:

  • Manchester United players are unhappy with the two complimentary tickets each offered for the Europa League final, considering the team's potential £100million win.
  • Co-owners Ineos are keeping costs to a minimum, even though the team is in a position to qualify automatically for next season's Champions League.
  • Support staff, including kit men, have not been allowed complimentary tickets for family and friends.
  • The team has allocated only a small number of tickets for a ballot, while Spurs are offering a free ticket to every full-time employee.
  • United has set up a screening for staff who cannot attend the final, where they and a plus-one will be offered two free drinks.
  • The club has faced criticism from fans for selling four-figure corporate packages, including a match ticket, for the final.
  • United insist their priority is maximising tickets for supporters, with more than 90 per cent of their allocation going directly to fans.
  • Players can buy up to 10 additional tickets from UEFA at face value, but would have to pay for extra flights and hotel rooms.

Statistics:

  • £100million: potential jackpot Manchester United could win if they qualify for the Champions League.
  • £1,850: cost of a day trip to Bilbao, including a match ticket.
  • £2,850: cost of a two-night, five-star package to Bilbao, including a hotel in Santander.
  • £2,150: cost of a four-star package to Bilbao.
  • 14,770: total allocation of tickets each team has been given for the Europa League final.
  • 90%: percentage of Manchester United's ticket allocation that has gone directly to fans.
  • 10: maximum number of additional tickets players can buy from UEFA.

Sources:

  • Various individuals, including a Manchester United player quoted saying "It's what we've come to expect" (exact wording not stated in the article).
  • Mail Sport.
  • United and Spurs' travel partners, Sportsbreaks and Sportsworld.