Ruben Amorim pays for Manchester United staff to attend UEL final after club refusal-OxBig News Network

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has stepped in with a heartwarming gesture, personally paying for 30 members of his backroom staff and their families to attend next week’s Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, after the club declined to cover the costs.

According to an ESPN report, United’s hierarchy-led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe-refused to fund travel, accommodation, or additional tickets for staff members attending the May 21 showdown against Tottenham Hotspur. Both clubs have a shot at qualifying for next season’s Champions League through the Europa League title.

Despite the high stakes of the final at Estadio San Mams, Manchester United has stuck to stringent cost-cutting measures. Staff were allocated only two paid-for tickets each, with no provision for travel or accommodation. Any additional tickets had to be purchased independently, drawing criticism amid a wave of financial austerity that has already included cutting 250 jobs and shuttering the staff canteen.

In stark contrast, French champions Paris Saint-Germain announced they would fully fund the trip for 600 staff to attend their Champions League final in Munich.

Amorim, who joined United in November and brought several staff members from Sporting CP, was reportedly dismayed to learn that low-paid coaches, physios, and support staff were expected to pay their own way to such a landmark fixture. Upon being informed, he offered to cover the full costs for 30 staff members, allowing each to bring up to two guests.

Club sources say Amorim’s gesture was intended to recognise the contributions and commitment of his team during a challenging season. Despite United languishing in 16th place in the Premier League with just 39 points from 36 matches, the Portuguese manager has won praise for fostering unity and morale behind the scenes.

United defended its decision by citing the need to maximise ticket availability for supporters, noting that even players were allotted just two tickets each. However, the decision has been widely criticised, especially in light of Amorim’s personal intervention.

If Manchester United manage to beat Spurs in Bilbao, they will book a Champions League berth-one of the few positives in an otherwise dismal season.