By Martin Graham
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is personally funding the attendance of several members of his staff and their relatives at the Europa League final, as reported by The Athletic and ESPN. The gesture comes amid ongoing cost-cutting measures imposed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Due to a shift in club policy, employees no longer receive complimentary tickets for major fixtures. Instead, staff have been offered the chance to watch the match at a club-hosted gathering in Manchester, which includes two drink vouchers. Amorim has decided to go further, choosing to cover both travel and lodging for up to two guests each for 30 staff members. These include coaches, medical personnel, and other essential but lower-paid support workers. First-team players, by contrast, have all been given a pair of tickets for their own family and friends.
Should Manchester United overcome Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on May 21, the post-match celebrations are expected to be subdued. Unlike their opponents, who are planning a full parade, United are preparing a more modest gathering at their training facility.
The club’s cautious approach to celebrations reflects a disappointing domestic campaign. Amorim’s side has managed only six victories from 25 league fixtures, with an average return of 0.96 points per game. His predecessor, Erik ten Hag, was dismissed after registering 1.22 points per match over the first 11 rounds of the season.
Amorim has been open about the poor performance on the pitch. He admitted the current state of the team is difficult to accept and said the situation leaves him feeling ashamed. “How a manager of Manchester United is supposed to feel in that position – embarrassed,” he said. “I think everybody has to think seriously about a lot of things here.”
