Manchester United have officially scrapped their annual end-of-season awards night for the second consecutive year — even as both the men’s and women’s teams are still in the hunt for major silverware.
Once a glitzy evening of celebration, where players across the senior men’s, women’s and youth teams received accolades and fans relished moments like Louis van Gaal’s unforgettable “pay attention to the manager” speech in 2015 — the club has decided to ditch the event altogether.
The reason? An absolutely dismal domestic season that has seen the men’s side slump to one of the worst league campaigns in their modern history.
From Red Carpet to Red Flags: Why United Pulled the Plug
While last year’s cancellation was blamed on an underwhelming Premier League finish (eighth place) despite an FA Cup win, this season’s performances have plunged even deeper into chaos.
After Sunday’s shocking 2-0 home loss to West Ham, United dropped to 16th in the Premier League with only two games to go — still shy of the 40-point safety mark.
That defeat also marked their record-equalling ninth league loss at Old Trafford, a feat not matched since the 1930-31 relegation season.
With humiliating losses piling up, club insiders say “there’s nothing to celebrate.”
Instead of a lavish ceremony, players could see their awards presented on the Old Trafford pitch before the May 25 home clash with Aston Villa.
The club still invited fans to vote for the Men’s and Women’s Player and Goal of the Season — a subtle nod to tradition, but without the glitter and spotlight.
What’s Still Left to Fight For?
The men’s team, led by embattled boss Ruben Amorim, could still rescue their season by beating Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21 in Bilbao, which would remarkably grant them Champions League football next season — even from the depths of 16th place.
The women’s team, already guaranteed a top-three finish in the Women’s Super League and a Champions League spot, face Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, hoping to lift the trophy they narrowly missed out on last season.
However, United have also confirmed there will be no parade, even if both teams win their respective finals. Instead, a low-key barbecue at Carrington is being planned the day after the men’s final — a stark contrast to the usual scenes of trophy-laden celebrations.
Stat Attack: United’s Fall from Grace
9 – Home league defeats this season, equalling an all-time club record
12 – Times United have conceded first at Old Trafford, second only to Leicester
7 – Games without a league win — their longest streak since Sir Alex Ferguson in 1992
6 – Teams have done the double over United this season, including Brentford and West Ham
Amorim On the Brink: “We’re Losing the Feeling of Being a Big Club”
A visibly frustrated Ruben Amorim didn’t hold back post-match, stating:
“We’re losing the feeling that we are a massive club. It’s not the players’ fault — it’s my fault. But if we can’t change that culture fast, we should give space to different people.”
The Portuguese manager, who arrived mid-season, hinted he might quit if the club doesn’t make bold changes this summer.
“There’s a lack of urgency — from box to box — and that’s the most dangerous thing a club like this can have.”
Andre Onana Hits Back and Fights for Survival as United eye Europa League Redemption
Andre Onana is not going down without a fight. Despite a calamitous debut season riddled with high-profile errors and mounting pressure, the £43.8 million Manchester United goalkeeper is determined to prove he can be the man between the sticks for Ruben Amorim’s new-look Red Devils.
After being dropped following two blunders in the Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, the 29-year-old Cameroonian shot-stopper has reclaimed his starting spot—and his message is clear: he’s not leaving Old Trafford.
A Season of Shocking Stats and Shattered Pride
Onana has made NINE errors leading directly to goals across all competitions since his summer move from Inter Milan.
That figure has seen him slammed by pundits, ridiculed on social media, and even publicly scorned by former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who branded him “one of the worst keepers in United’s history.”
But Onana wasn’t about to take that lying down. In a fiery response, he clapped back at Matic’s trophyless five-year stint at the club—a war of words that added more fuel to United’s already flaming season.
Clearout Incoming? United Eye New Keeper Options
Rumours of a summer overhaul are already swirling, with Onana linked to a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
United are reportedly monitoring Torino’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, a Serbian international and former United youth keeper who has impressed with 10 clean sheets in Serie A this term.
Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir, United’s current No.2, remains a viable internal option.
What’s Next for United?
Friday, May 16: Chelsea vs Manchester United (Premier League)
Wednesday, May 21: Europa League Final vs Tottenham (Bilbao)
Sunday, May 25: Final Premier League game vs Aston Villa + Award presentations on pitch
Manchester United 2024/25 Season By the Numbers
League Position: 16th
Home League Losses: 9 (tied all-time record)
Errors by Onana: 9
Longest Winless Run: 7 games
Final Chance: Europa League Final, May 21 vs Tottenham
