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Manchester United’s owners Ineos have gained a reputation for trying to save funds in every way possible.
They have already alienated numerous fans with their deep staff cuts that have affected hundreds of workers, some who have been with the club for over a decade.
Another significantly unpopular decision has been the rise of season ticket prices for next year.
What’s more, the club refused to pay for United’s coaching staff’s friends and family tickets to the Europa League final last week.
The Athletic have highlighted that Ineos’ penny-pinching has also extended to the hotels, or lack of, that United players have stayed in this year on their away days.
The American outlet states that the United squad was left befuddled in March when they did not stay in a hotel before the Saturday lunchtime kick off against Everton.
Ruben Amorim’s side had an horrendous first half where they fell two goals down before fighting back for a 2-2 draw in the second period.
The Athletic states that, “it can be revealed that United travelled to Goodison Park for the 12.30pm kick-off on the morning of the game, rather than stay in a nearby hotel overnight, with players reporting for duty at Carrington at around 7.30am to get the team coach to Merseyside.”
The early start at the training ground was “commented on” by players as the team arrived at Goodison Park at 11.20am, just before they were scheduled to take part in the warm-up.
It must be stated that, “usually, even for an hour-long trip, United would book local accommodation in those circumstances.”
Whilst it was assumed that the decision was based on financials, the Red Devils claim it was a decision that “stemmed from the football department.”
Confusingly however, for the May away trip to London to face Chelsea on a Friday evening, the team stayed in a hotel the night before.
In addition, “there have since been grumbles from players over the quality of some hotels selected for away trips, such as Bucharest, with United choosing to stay in Marriotts where possible, rather than luxury spots outside of the group, which sponsors the club.”
While the Everton decision was certainly perplexing, fans are unlikely to have much sympathy for the players on the Marriott issue, as many would give their eye teeth to stay at such a high-end hotel.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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