Man City denies United’s request to allow their players charter same jet for Ballon d’Or event

• Manchester United reportedly asked their city rivals for space on their private jet for young players Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo’s trip to the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris
• Manchester City declined, stating their chartered jet for the awards was already at capacity
• United, adapting to a tighter budget under its new management has introduced several financial cuts, including requiring staff to cover their official travels

Premier League side Manchester United found themselves in an awkward position this week, reportedly reaching out to none other than arch-rivals Manchester City for a spot on their chartered jet. 

Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were nominated for the Kopa Trophy (awarded to the best U21 player) at the Ballon d'Or in Paris, the club then inquired if they could hitch a ride with City’s substantial delegation of eight nominees since they had just two representatives on the red side of Manchester.

According to reports, Manchester United’s request was politely declined with City noting that all seats on their private jet were already occupied. 

The defending Premier League champions are indeed bringing a star-studded lineup, with Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Rodri among the men’s Ballon d'Or nominees, while Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp, and Khadija Shaw vie in the women's category. 

Brazilian sensation Savinho joins Manchester United’s Garnacho and Mainoo in the race for the Kopa Trophy, it’s hard not to imagine the potential vibes on the return flight if Garnacho brings the trophy home, that flight could be full of tense glances, especially if United’s Garnacho ends up outshining his City neighbours.

Manchester United’s recent cost-cutting approach which kicked off after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group began implementing ambitious financial restructuring measures earlier this year. The club has faced multiple budget reductions, including the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson from his ambassadorial role and cutting staff perks. This cost-conscious approach even saw United employees asked to cover their transportation to Wembley for last season’s FA Cup final against City.

Reports indicate United is prioritising sustainable financial management, focusing on long-term stability. Yet, despite belt-tightening, Garnacho and Mainoo’s Kopa Trophy nominations raised eyebrows, given the prestige of a Ballon d'Or ceremony. 

With Arsenal fielding nominees like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka in the men’s Ballon d'Or race, and Mariona Caldentey representing their women’s squad, Monday’s Ballon d'Or promises a fierce display of Premier League talent on the international stage. 

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Previously, TheRadar reported that Manchester United would aim to achieve another significant victory over Manchester City as the FA Cup winners seek additional silverware. 

The 117th FA Community Shield would feature a rematch of May’s FA Cup final, pitting Manchester City against Manchester United in a Manchester derby with significant implications.