By Martin Graham
Manchester United players will each be given two complimentary tickets for next week’s Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao. Although they have the option to buy up to ten additional tickets, players are expected to manage the travel arrangements for their guests independently.
The club has stated its aim to ensure that the largest possible portion of its 15,000 ticket allocation goes to its fans. This measure is part of a broader push to prioritize supporters amid high demand for seats at the San Mames Stadium on 21 May.
In line with recent financial tightening at the club, employees will not receive free admission to the final — a departure from previous policies. Instead, a central Manchester venue will host a special viewing event for staff members. This follows other cost-saving initiatives, including job reductions and the discontinuation of complimentary meals for personnel.
Should United claim the trophy, the team will hold a celebratory barbecue at the Carrington training base. Meanwhile, Tottenham have yet to confirm how they would commemorate a win, though a public celebration is expected. For context, Newcastle marked their Carabao Cup victory in March with a city parade, and Liverpool plan a similar event for their Premier League title success on 26 May.
Manchester United have not organized a trophy parade since their 2013 title win under Sir Alex Ferguson. Players expressed dissatisfaction in 2008 when no event was held after their Champions League victory over Chelsea.
A celebration this time would be difficult to coordinate, as United are due to face Aston Villa at Old Trafford just four days after the final. Following that, the squad travels to Asia for two exhibition matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Upon returning on 31 May, many players will quickly shift focus to national team duties. Portugal, for instance, plays Germany in the Nations League semi-final on 4 June — a match that could feature Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot. Meanwhile, World Cup qualifiers across South America and Europe begin shortly after.
