Manchester United will not be hosting their customary end of season Player of the Year Awards dinner due to their abysmal showing this campaign.
The event had initially been scheduled to take place on May 20, about five days before the Red Devils take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Reports indicate that Manchester United’s hierarchy does not want to drift the focus of the squad away from that big game, which would be their only opportunity for silverware this campaign.
It could also be their only avenue at qualifying for a European competition for the 2024/25 season, with the team already certain of not playing UEFA Champions League football next campaign.
Erik Ten Hag’s side would qualify for the UEFA Europa League if they defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup final, however, if they finish in their current 8th position and lose the Cup final, they will miss out entirely on European football for next season.
Following consultation with Ten Hag and the football stakeholders at Manchester United, it was decided that the players should not have any distractions in the week of the encounter.
Will Players Still Receive Awards Despite The Cancellation?
The players will still receive awards voted by their peers, coaches, and fans but the traditional awards dinner will not be held.
Manchester United’s players have in the past decided to call off their end-of-season awards, as they did so in the 2021-22 season when they also had a similar below-par campaign under the interim management of Ralf Rangnick.
The Women’s team of the English club have brought joy to the team this campaign, as they recently won the FA Cup title defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 in the final.
However, the showing of the men will not see them get the traditional end-of-season celebration that they would have longed for.
Moreover, the Red Devils have endured a torrid season bedeviled by injuries, with the team unable to muster consistent victories.
Manchester United’s current 14 losses are their biggest number of defeats in a single Premier League season, with the team also set to amass their lowest number of points in a single campaign.
The 1-0 loss to Arsenal on Sunday, May 12, 2024, was also their 19th defeat across all competitions – their worst since the 1978/79 season, equally 19.
Additionally, Manchester United have shipped in 82 goals in all competitions this term, their highest number of goals conceded since 1970/71, also 82.
These damning statistics could also get worse in the coming days, with Erik Ten Hag’s side still having to play Newcastle United and Brighton this season.
The Red Devils welcome Eddie Howe’s side to Old Trafford on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, while they also visit the American Express Community Stadium to play the Seagulls on May 19, 2024, the final day of the 2023/24 season.
Manchester United Player of the Year Awards
Meanwhile, it is uncertain which player will go home with the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for Manchester United, in what has been a dreadful campaign with players largely underperforming.
There have been a few bright sparks this season though, with youngster Kobbie Mainoo becoming an integral player for the team due to his impressive displays.
Captain Bruno Fernandes has also been a shining light for the team this campaign, and he could likely go home with the award whenever it is held.
Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot are also examples of players who have stood out in this campaign.
Marcus Rashford is the last winner of the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, following his sublime showing in the 2022/23 season, and he also took home the Players’ Player of the Year award in the said season.
Unfortunately for the Englishman, he hasn’t really been at the peak of his powers this term.
The award is named after former Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby, who managed the side across two stints, from 1945 to 1969 and from 1970 to 1971.
It was renamed in his honor in 1996, after his death in 1994, and a new trophy was commissioned to be handed to winners.
The trophy is basically a scaled-down replica of the statue of Matt Busby, which is at the east end of Old Trafford.
