Jump directly to the content
Gossip
NO SHOW

Manchester United stars ‘to be fined after refusing to attend sponsorship event’ in protest over Champions League travel shambles

Five players usually attend the monthly sponsorship event at United's training ground

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to fine a group of disgruntled players who refused to attend a sponsorship event, according to reports.

Members of the first-team squad were scheduled to take part in a session for one of United's commercial partners on Thursday.

 Ashley Young, Lee Grant, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba took part in a Q&A session during the True Religion Manchester United press launch on Thursday night, but other players refused to honour their commitments
4
Ashley Young, Lee Grant, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba took part in a Q&A session during the True Religion Manchester United press launch on Thursday night, but other players refused to honour their commitmentsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

But the  claim they declined to attend in protest at the club's recent transport troubles that has seen them arrive late to two European home games.

On Thursday, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham revealed he had asked police, transport officials, councils and operators to carry out an urgent review into transport planning for midweek matchdays at Old Trafford.

Each month at United’s training complex sponsors have the opportunity to take pictures and film footage with around five members of Jose Mourinho’s squad.

However, that was a no-go yesterday, with the players on Thursday’s rota refusing to attend.

 Pogba was one of four United players in attendance at the True Religion launch at Victoria Warehouse
4
Pogba was one of four United players in attendance at the True Religion launch at Victoria WarehouseCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Under-fire boss Mourinho is said to have declined to attend the event, too.

Away from Carrington, several first-team members did honour their sponsorship commitments, though.

Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young and Lee Grant were all in attendance at the True Religion Manchester United press launch at Victoria Warehouse.

The latest developments will do little to improve the atmosphere at Old Trafford, with the club currently 10th in the Premier League and already nine points off the top of the table.

 Pogba and co have endured a terrible start to the season
4
Pogba and co have endured a terrible start to the seasonCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Jose Mourinho also refused to attend the sponsorship event
4
Jose Mourinho also refused to attend the sponsorship eventCredit: PA:Press Association

Thursday’s refusal is being viewed as a one-off rather than an all-out strike.

United entertain Everton on Sunday, before travelling to Bournemouth next weekend as they bid to turn their season around.

Jose Mourinho talks brilliance of Bonucci and Chiellini, Juventus’ Champions League chances and important experience gained for his players
Topics