Manchester United is set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on May 21, 2023, in Bilbao, Spain. In anticipation of a potential victory, the club has announced plans for a celebratory BBQ at their Carrington training ground, although they will not hold a trophy parade if they win.

Key Takeaways

• Manchester United will host a BBQ celebration if they win the Europa League final.
• Players are limited to two free tickets each for the match, with additional tickets available for purchase.
• No trophy parade is planned, marking a departure from traditional celebrations.
• The club is implementing cost-cutting measures, including staff redundancies and the removal of free lunches.

BBQ Celebration Plans

Should Manchester United emerge victorious against Tottenham, the club will celebrate with a BBQ at their Carrington training ground. This decision reflects a more intimate approach to victory celebrations, as the club has opted not to organize a public parade, which has been a staple for trophy wins in the past.

Ticketing Restrictions

In a move that has raised eyebrows among fans, players will only receive two complimentary tickets for the final. They can purchase up to ten additional tickets, but they must arrange travel for their guests to Bilbao. This decision is part of a broader strategy to ensure that as many tickets as possible from the club’s allocation go to loyal supporters.

Cost-Cutting Measures

The decision to limit ticket distribution and forgo a parade comes amid a series of cost-cutting measures at Manchester United. These measures include:

• Redundancies within the club’s staff.
• The elimination of free lunches for employees.
• A shift in focus towards maximizing fan engagement through official ticket sales.

Comparison with Tottenham’s Plans

While Manchester United has opted for a low-key celebration, Tottenham has yet to announce their plans in the event of a win. Historically, Tottenham has celebrated trophy victories with parades, and it is expected they will follow suit if they claim the Europa League title.

Historical Context

Manchester United has not held a trophy parade since 2013, coinciding with Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. The absence of a parade for their 2008 Champions League victory was notably disappointing for players and fans alike. The logistical challenges of organizing a parade this season are compounded by the club’s busy schedule, which includes a Premier League match against Aston Villa shortly after the final.

Upcoming Matches

Following the Europa League final, Manchester United will face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on May 25. The team will then embark on a post-season tour in Asia, playing matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong before returning to Manchester at the end of May. Players will soon report for international duty, with several involved in upcoming Nations League matches.

As the Europa League final approaches, Manchester United fans are hopeful for a triumphant return to glory, albeit with a more subdued celebration than in years past. The focus remains on the match against Tottenham, where a win could mark a significant turning point for the club’s season.

Sources

• Dejan Kulusevski: Tottenham midfielder ruled out of Europa League final, BBC.
• Manchester United plan BBQ if they win Europa League, plus free tickets restricted, BBC.