Former Arsenal and Aston Villa forward Paul Merson has issued a damning verdict over one of Manchester United’s recent decisions.
The Sky Sports pundit has labelled the choice a showing of ‘arrogance’ from the Red Devils, who currently languish 16th in the Premier League.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 14 |  WolvesWolves |
36 | 12 | 5 | 19 | 51 | 64 | -13 | 41 |
| 15 |  West HamWest Ham |
36 | 10 | 10 | 16 | 42 | 59 | -17 | 40 |
| 16 |  Man UtdManchester United |
36 | 10 | 9 | 17 | 42 | 53 | -11 | 39 |
| 17 |  TottenhamTottenham |
36 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 63 | 59 | 4 | 38 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich |
36 | 4 | 10 | 22 | 35 | 77 | -42 | 22 |
Despite struggling domestically, Ruben Amorim’s side bested Athletic Bilbao comfortably to secure a place in the Europa League final. Preparations for the match are already well underway, with the referee for the Tottenham clash announced.
If the Red Devils run out victors, they would secure Champions League football for next season and have reason to celebrate after such a miserable season.
However, it has been revealed that if successful in the final, there will be no trophy parade, and instead players, staff and their families will all meet for a barbecue, according to The Times.
Paul Merson issues ‘arrogance’ verdict over Man United’s trophy parade decision
Commenting on the situation to Sky Sports, Merson believes that snubbing a trophy parade would be a bad move from United.
“The trophies do not come thick and fast,” Merson said. “Man Utd are a million miles off. Enjoy it (trophies) while you can.
“For me, it’s a bit of arrogance, with the club thinking they are entitled to win trophies.
“Winning trophies was the past, so enjoy the present. Who says they win another one for 15 years?
“Now they’re going to have a barbecue, think of the fans! They’ll let you know when the parade is on whether it was right to do. Do not leave the fans out because it is about the fans.
“I would want a parade. They could win a trophy and if they win it, they have won more than Arsenal. Arsenal would love to have a parade. It is hard to win trophies, so do not underestimate winning one. It is difficult.”
When was the last time Man United held a trophy parade?
A team steeped in success, Manchester United have been used to celebrating league titles and Champions League glory over the last 30 years.
Despite performances on the pitch no longer meeting that standard, the club’s ambition is clearly to return to that level, hence their decision not to hold a trophy parade.
The Red Devils did not organise a bus parade when they won the Europa League in 2017, the FA Cup in 2016 and 2024, or for the Carabao Cup triumphs in 2017 and 2023.
In fact, United last held a trophy parade for their 20th Premier League title over a decade ago, in 2013, highlighting how far the Red Devils have fallen since Sir Alex Ferguson was last at the helm.
Amorim will hope to add that success in years to come, after suffering a dismal first innings as United manager. Despite shocking form, Amorim has been praised by Jamie Redknapp for his brutal honesty surrounding the Red Devils’ current stature.
Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise not to see the club preparing one for their potential Europa League success. On top of that, the season has still been severely underwhelming, even if it ends with a European honour.
Tottenham on the other hand, are expected to have a parade if they win, in sharp contrast to United’s low-key plan of a barbecue.
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