Manchester United's beleaguered squad is poised to call off the club's end-of-season awards night for a third year in a row, with players reportedly feeling they have not earned the right to celebrate.
A Season of Historic Lows
The club is enduring one of its worst campaigns in living memory. The humiliation was compounded by a shocking FA Cup exit at home to Brighton, marking the earliest stage United have been without a chance of silverware since the Second World War. This followed an earlier Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town. It is the first time since 1982 that United have been knocked out of both domestic cups in their first tie.
With no European football and sitting a massive 17 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, the only potential salvage operation is securing a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League. However, even if that unlikely target is met, the awards night is still expected to be shelved.
A Tradition Abandoned
This would represent the third consecutive cancellation of the event, which honours players from the men's, women's, and youth teams. The squad decided against holding it in 2024 despite winning the FA Cup, as they finished a lowly eighth in the league. The same happened last season after a woeful 15th-place finish. The men's team's decision effectively dictates whether the event proceeds.
Leadership in Limbo
The team is currently managerless following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. Caretaker boss Darren Fletcher has been unable to provide an immediate turnaround, admitting the players have struggled to adapt. "Confidence and potentially being used to playing a certain style and formation - that’s difficult to adapt from," Fletcher said. He emphasised the need for the group to "come together" and find a way to win, even if the football isn't "pretty."
Michael Carrick is now expected to take over as interim manager for the remainder of the season. He held talks with club chiefs over the weekend, alongside former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and could be confirmed before this weekend's crucial derby against Manchester City.
