Man Utd players 'threatened to pay for own flights' as private INEOS turmoil exposed

Manchester United players threatened to pay for their own flights home from the FA Cup final in May after INEOS instead organised a coach to cut costs, according to reports. The decision is said to have baffled United’s triumphant stars before INEOS made an embarrassing U-turn at Wembley.

Erik ten Hag had just guided his side to a shock victory against rivals Manchester City, avenging their 2023 defeat in the same fixture to lift a 13th FA Cup.

However, behind the scenes, there is claimed to have been a travel row inside the United dressing room due to the club’s plans to return to Manchester via team coach.

According to ESPN, United chiefs initially held firm on their stance while senior players fumed and vowed to organise their own flights back up north.

It’s been claimed that players and staff considered it unprofessional to use a coach rather than a flight for the purpose of saving money.

Some stars reportedly flew directly on holiday from London on Sunday after enjoying a celebratory event at the team hotel on the night of the 2-1 victory.

The report adds that powerbrokers eventually caved and organised a flight back to Manchester, but the incident wouldn’t have been expected at a club of United’s stature.

Frustrations about the club’s travel planning have reportedly leaked into the dire start to the current season.

Ten Hag is said to have left his players unhappy with his decision to stay in Porto after the 3-3 Europa League draw earlier this month.

The Dutchman opted for United to remain in Portugal overnight on Thursday and have a training session before flying back to Manchester on Friday afternoon.

But the Red Devils then had to travel down to Birmingham the following day to face Aston Villa, an agonisingly lifeless 0-0 draw at Villa Park.

United’s players will be looking forward to the seven-match schedule before the November international break, featuring five games at Old Trafford.

Brentford visit M16 on Saturday afternoon before tricky back-to-back tests on the road at West Ham United and Fenerbahce.

Old Trafford then plays host to Leicester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round before Chelsea in the Premier League and PAOK in the Europa League.

Leicester return in the league ahead of the November break before the festive schedule starts a lengthy period with no international football.

Whether Ten Hag’s – or INEOS’ – stock will be higher by that point will heavily depend on the results.