The Manchester United management has canceled the end-of-season awards party because they do not want to distract the players before the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

For over a decade, Manchester United has concluded the season with a ceremony to summarize and present internal awards to male, female, and youth players. This year’s ceremony was scheduled for May 20, just five days before the FA Cup final at Wembley.

However, according to The Athletic, the Manchester United management decided to cancel this event after consulting with head coach Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff. In the 2021-2022 season, the “Red Devils” also did not hold the awards ceremony when the team finished sixth with the worst goals conceded and points tally in the Premier League era.

Erik ten Hag left Old Trafford after Man Utd lost 0-1 to Arsenal in round 37 of the Premier League on May 12.

Currently, Man Utd is experiencing an even worse season, finishing eighth in the Premier League and ending the season trophyless. They lost 14 matches in the Premier League – the club’s worst record in a single season – and lost nine home games across all competitions this season, matching their worst records from the 1920-1921, 1930-1931, 1933-1934, 1962-1963, and 1973-1974 seasons.

Erik ten Hag’s team still has two Premier League matches remaining, against Newcastle on May 15 and Brighton on May 19. If they fail to improve their standing, Man Utd will finish with the worst position in the club’s Premier League history and will miss out on European competitions next season. Their alternative route to the Europa League next season is to win against Man City in the FA Cup final.

“I think this is the worst Man Utd team I’ve ever seen in my life,” said legend Alan Shearer, born in 1970, on The Rest Is Football podcast on May 13. “They tried against Arsenal, but in terms of capability, with so many injuries, could you argue this is the worst Man Utd squad?”

This season, Man Utd has had a total of 68 injuries, but they do not rank in the top three in the Premier League for the most matches missed due to injury. Man Utd players missed 233 matches, behind Brentford (255), Newcastle (258), and Chelsea (309).

“Man Utd has been in decline for so long that it will take a long time to come back,” Shearer added. “Even when the injured players return, Man Utd will still need a lot of time to challenge and reach the level of Man City, Liverpool, or Arsenal. They are miles away, even with their strongest lineup.”

Former defender Micah Richards sympathized with Man Utd’s results, noting that young players like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund are under immense pressure.

Alejandro Garnacho was disappointed after a missed shot in Man Utd’s 0-1 loss to Arsenal at Old Trafford in round 37 of the Premier League on May 12.

On Sky Sports, Wayne Rooney suggested that some of Manchester United’s injured players could actually play but choose not to, in order to avoid criticism. According to the former English striker, many Man Utd players are not fighting for Erik ten Hag and just want the season to end as quickly as possible.

Former captain Roy Keane shared this viewpoint, stating: “Obviously, that’s not a good sign. I think a few players could try to play despite their injuries. There are many players at certain stages who, when injured or lacking confidence, take time off and are in no hurry to return to the team.”