Manchester United issued a request to rivals Man City for two of their players to cadge a lift with their party of eight nominees to the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night.
That request has been rejected as City’s private flight is full.
This is according to the Daily Mail and the reporter believes it will “raise eyebrows” that United asked City if they had any room for their two hopefuls.
Except it shouldn’t as we know United are doing all they can to cut costs across the board. Even Sir Alex Ferguson was dropped from his ambassadorial role, a decision that has sparked outrage among former players.
Private jets to Ballon d’Or awards
Alternative arrangements had to be arranged for Garnacho and Mainoo as a result.
Another reason for United making the request to City is that sending two players on a private jet was not deemed to be a good look in the current climate.
The following City players are up for the Ballon d’Or award: Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Rodri.
They have the following women players in the running: Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp, Khadija Shaw.
City also have Savinho in the running for the best player under 21. He joins Mainoo and Garnacho in that category.
It shouldn’t be seen as a big deal that United asked City to carpool their players to Paris, but I have no doubt the media will make a mountain from a molehill out of it.
United take on West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday and they will be without Kobbie Mainoo due to a muscle injury. Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho is expected to start against the Hammers.
