Manchester United will forgo a traditional open-top bus parade if they win the Europa League next week, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe planning a low-key barbecue at Carrington instead.
The Red Devils face Tottenham Hotspur in the final in Bilbao on the 21st of May, where both clubs hope to salvage something from disappointing domestic campaigns by lifting silverware.
Should United triumph, the celebration will be restricted to a private event at their training ground for players, staff and families.
The decision reflects the clubs packed post-season schedule, with a Premier League fixture following the final and an immediate tour of Asia thereafter.
Typically, English clubs mark cup victories with parades through city streets, as Newcastle United did in March after winning the Carabao Cup, and as Liverpool plan to do after securing the Premier League title.
However, United’s logistical constraints, including ongoing building works at Carrington and their departure for Kuala Lumpur on May 28, have ruled out such festivities.
After playing in Malaysia, the squad will head to Hong Kong for another match on May 30 before many players join their national teams for international duty.
United last lifted a European trophy in 2017, also the Europa League, under Jos Mourinho. That seasons double of Carabao Cup and Europa League was not marked by a parade either.
The clubs last such event came in 2013 after Sir Alex Fergusons final title triumph, when around 100,000 fans gathered to mark the historic occasion.
Despite a Europa League title bringing Champions League qualification and some redemption, the 2024/25 campaign will go down as the worst in the clubs Premier League history. Amorims side sit 16th with two games to play.
Club staff have not been granted tickets to attend the match in person and will instead be invited to a viewing party in Manchester. Only two complimentary tickets have been allocated per player, covering travel and match entry for close family members.
Victory in Bilbao may offer a silver lining in an otherwise dismal season for United, but the celebrations, if they come, will remain modest.
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Raj Dholakia Raj is a seasoned digital writer and editor with a deep-seated passion for football. With over four years in the digital space, he has contributed to Sportlens, ManUtdNews, and is now proudly writing for The Peoples Person. His work is driven by a commitment to capture the essence of football, delivering content that speaks to the heart of fans worldwide.
