Ahead of next week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho will be attending the event in Paris on Monday, where they’ve been nominated for the prestigious Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21. Past winners include stars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Pedri.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Arda Guler, Joao Neves, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Manchester City’s Savinho are among this year’s other nominees. Savinho, along with City players like Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland, will reportedly travel on a private jet to Paris. However, Mainoo and Garnacho will be taking alternate arrangements, as City confirmed no additional room on their flight.
United reportedly sought this arrangement as part of cost-saving measures, especially after a recent statement from United’s CEO Omar Berrada outlined efforts to be more financially sustainable. With INEOS leading a restructuring at United, there has been a focus on cost efficiency, especially given the club’s recent financial losses.
Fans had mixed reactions online. Some criticized the perceived “cost-cutting” approach, while others pointed out the benefits of being environmentally conscious by sharing resources. Many fans also noted that INEOS is working to stabilize United’s finances following the previous ownership’s spending practices.
Both players have had strong seasons under Erik ten Hag, and have represented their countries internationally, with Mainoo starting for England in the Euro 2024 final and Garnacho appearing for Argentina in the Copa America campaign.
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