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

Do not miss an opportunity to join FREE webinar by Briefly News. AI in Action: Practical Skills for Creative Professionals. Register here: https://corp.briefly.co.za/ai-in-action-workshop

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

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami boss names his 2024 Ballon d'Or pick

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

Chelsea star Nicolas reacts to his exclusion from CAF POTY list

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

Briefly News 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.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Viginia Akinyi avatar

Viginia Akinyi (sports editor) Viginia Akinyi is the current import editor at Briefly News. She holds a B.Sc. in Communication and Public Relations from Moi University and has previously worked with Lolwe TV, Daily Nation Eldoret Bureau and SportsBrief.com. Email: viginia.akinyi@briefly.co.za