Ballon d’Or 2024: Manchester City Decline to Give Manchester United Players a Lift

Ballon d’Or 2024: Manchester City Decline to Give Manchester United Players a Lift

  • Manchester United reportedly asked Manchester City to give their players a lift to the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday night
  • The Red Devils have been on cost-cutting plans since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over, and it didn't make sense to fly only two players
  • Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is widely expected to succeed Lionel Messi as the winner of the Ballon d'Or Award in Paris

Manchester United were left red-faced after their lift request was denied by their cross-town rivals Manchester City.

The Red Devils, who have embarked on spirited cost-cutting measures, reportedly approached their rivals to see if two of their players could hitch a ride to Paris on Monday.

Kobbie Mainoo, Ballon d'Or 2024, Manchester City, Manchester United, Alejandro Garnacho
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are among the players nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or Award. Photo by Ryan Hiscott.
Source: Getty Images

2024 Ballon d'Or Award

Multiple clubs around the world whose players were nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award are presumably on the homestretch of finalising travel arrangements to Paris.

Read also

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho mocks Man United after Europa League clash

The 2024 ceremony will go down at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet on Monday, October 28, where the best of the best are expected to be feted in a glitzy event.

Manchester United has two nominees after both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho were nominated for the Kopa Trophy.

Manchester City declines United's request

As Mail Sport reports, the INEOS-owned side approached City to see if there was space for their two players. The Premier League giants have reportedly hired a private jet to transport their delegation to France.

United's request was turned down after City informed them that their plane was already full. City have a couple of nominees, with their injured midfield lynchpin Rodri in line for a podium finish.

Pep Guardiola is in the running for the Men's Coach of the Year alongside Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti.

Read also

Pele's son co-signs Vinicius Jr to win 2024 Ballon d'Or

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority takeover has seen the club employ stringent cost-cutting measures. These measures have already seen 250 employees, including Sir Alex Ferguson, declared redundant, as captured by the Irish Times.

Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or advice to Vinicius

Legit.ng also reported that Vinicius had shared insights into the valuable Ballon d'Or advice he received from legendary Brazilian forward Ronaldo Nazario.

Reflecting on his quest for the prestigious award, Vini recounted a piece of wisdom imparted by Ronaldo, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng