Manchester United have canceled their traditional end-of-season awards dinner for the second consecutive year, a decision reflecting the club’s disappointing domestic campaign that has left them languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table.
The prestigious event, which normally sees players and staff gather to celebrate individual achievements throughout the season, will not take place due to the club’s underwhelming performance, scheduling challenges, and sensitivity around hosting a lavish celebration during a period of significant cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford.
A Season to Forget
The 2024-25 campaign has proven disastrous for the Red Devils in domestic competition. With just 39 points from 36 matches, including 10 wins, 9 draws, and 17 defeats, United are guaranteed to finish in their lowest position ever in Premier League history. The team’s negative goal difference of -11 (42 goals scored, 53 conceded) further highlights their struggles.
Following their most recent defeat-a 2-0 home loss to West Ham United, Manchester United find themselves just one point above 17th-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who ironically will be their opponents in the upcoming Europa League final.
Awards Without the Ceremony
While the formal dinner has been canceled, the club will still present traditional honors, including the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award. These presentations will instead take place on the pitch before United’s final Premier League match against Aston Villa on May 25.
Bruno Fernandes appears the likely frontrunner for the top individual honor, having contributed 8 goals in 34 Premier League appearances this season. The Portuguese midfielder has also been prolific across all competitions, reportedly scoring 19 goals total during the campaign.
A Pattern of Cancellations
This marks the third time in four seasons that Manchester United have scrapped their awards dinner. A similar approach was taken last season when Erik ten Hag’s squad finished eighth, though they subsequently defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup Final. The club also canceled the ceremony following the 2021-22 campaign when they finished sixth with 58 points.
“There is a sentiment internally that organizing an extravagant dinner would not resonate well with staff and supporters. The focus remains on completing the season professionally and preparing for what everyone hopes will be a more successful campaign next year.”
The 2022 cancellation reportedly came partially at the request of players, who “did not want to be seen celebrating a miserable season,” according to ESPN sources. This year, the decision appears more multifaceted.
Awkward Timing and Organizational Concerns
Beyond the disappointing league performance, logistical challenges have contributed to the decision. The team faces a congested schedule with remaining Premier League fixtures against Chelsea (May 16) and Aston Villa (May 25) bookending the Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21.
Additionally, the squad will depart immediately after their final league match for a week-long post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong, which is expected to generate £8 million through friendly matches against an ASEAN all-star XI and a Hong Kong XI.
Internal Restructuring
The decision also reflects sensitivity around the club’s ongoing restructuring. Under the new partial ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired a 28.94% stake in February 2024, Manchester United has implemented significant cost-reduction measures. The workforce has reportedly been reduced from 1,100 employees to a target of around 700, making an extravagant celebration potentially inappropriate.
Silver Lining in Europe
Despite domestic disappointment, Ruben Amorim’s side still has an opportunity for silverware. Since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November 2024, the former Sporting CP manager has guided United to the Europa League final.
In a gesture that has won praise from staff, Amorim has reportedly funded a trip to the Europa League final in Bilbao for 30 Manchester United staff members and their families. This positive action stands in contrast to the general gloom surrounding the club’s domestic campaign.
Looking Ahead
The final weeks of May could prove pivotal for Manchester United’s assessment of the season. Victory in the Europa League final would secure European football for next season and provide a significant boost heading into Amorim’s first full season in charge.
Following their domestic conclusion and European final, attention will turn to what promises to be a transformative summer transfer window, as Amorim and the football leadership team-now under Ratcliffe’s influence rather than the Glazer family’s direct control-look to rebuild a squad capable of returning Manchester United to the upper echelons of English football.
For now, though, the canceled awards dinner serves as another stark reminder of how far the 20-time English champions have fallen from their storied heights.
