According to reports, Manchester United has postponed their season-ending awards ceremony in the wake of a poor campaign that saw the Red Devils finish the Premier League in ninth place. With just three games left until Erik ten Hag’s second year in command comes to an end, harsh measures have been implemented. Their most recent setback came at home against Arsenal in a 1-0 loss.

The Athletic assert that it was decided to call off the festivities in order to avoid any distractions prior to the FA Cup final following talks between head coach Ten Hag and the football management.

The club usually hosts a black-tie event at Old Trafford, which is shown by the in-house station MUTV, to evaluate the season, present the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award, and honour outstanding academy talent that has made it into the starting lineup.

After dethroning Cristiano Ronaldo as the player of the year, Marcus Rashford has failed to repeat his incredible performance, leaving United facing the prospect of finishing outside the division’s top five.

If United does not get good results against Newcastle and Brighton in the last week of the league season, then defeating their local rivals Manchester City may be their only chance to play in Europe the next season.

Ten Hag and top football officials have advised that the ceremony should be canceled so that the players may give their full attention to the challenge at hand at Wembley.

Aside from the senior players, other attendees include under-21 players, coaching staff, club personnel, sponsors, supporters, and prominent personalities like Sir Alex Ferguson. The May 20 event is set just a few days before the Manchester derby FA Cup final on May 25.

There won’t be a celebration of the players’ accomplishments this season, but they will still get their awards, which are chosen by their peers, coaches, and supporters. During the season’s last game played at Old Trafford, trophies were given to the winners of the awards last year.

With the exception of a two-year break during COVID-19, the glamorous event has been going on for more than ten years. Players usually look forward to it especially after a demanding season.

The club has previously canceled an event following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal earlier in the season under Ralf Rangnick, so this is not the first time they have taken such action. It was said that year that the players were the ones driving the call because they didn’t think their efforts warranted a celebration.