Manchester United has cancelled the club’s ritual end-of-season awards dinner following an unsatisfactory campaign.
According to the club, the continuous deterioration in form, which lingered until the end of the season, triggered the decision. To avoid distraction towards preparation for their FA Cup final against Manchester City, the decision to cancel the award dinner had to be made.
At the end of every season, the club organizes a dinner night to present awards, including the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, as well as recognition for breakthrough young talent. It is attended by the first team for the men’s and women’s teams, as well as academy players, coaching staff, club staff, supporters, and sponsors.
Last night, Manchester United were beaten by Arsenal 1-0 at Old Trafford, jeopardizing the club’s chances to earn any European qualification spots.
The defeat makes it their 19th in all competitions this season. Having been eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage, the club deems it necessary to focus on their only hope for winning a medal this season.
The dinner, which was originally scheduled to host on May 20, five days before the FA Cup final, could be a massive distraction to the team.
But following consultation with Ten Hag and the football leadership team, it has been agreed that the players should not have any distractions in the week of the final. While the players will still receive awards voted by their mates, coaches, and fans, there will not be an awards dinner.
