Manchester United reached out to rivals City to see if Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could hitch a ride with City’s eight Ballon d’Or nominees on their trip. However, they were politely informed that the flight was already fully booked.

According to Mail Sport, the Premier League champions had organized a private jet to transport their large delegation to Paris for Monday’s award ceremony.

In a somewhat unexpected move, United inquired if City had any extra space for their two young players. Unfortunately for United, they were told there was no room, so alternative travel arrangements had to be made.

United’s request comes amidst a series of cost-cutting measures implemented following Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group’s investment in the club earlier this year.

It’s believed that the idea of sending two players on a private jet was considered ill-suited to the current climate. United were also reportedly mindful of their environmental impact. Clubs have previously shared flights to reduce emissions, especially when players need to return from international duty in distant locations like South America.

City’s men’s Ballon d’Or nominees include Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Rodri, while Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp, and Khadija Shaw represent their women’s team. For the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best player under 21, City’s Brazilian winger Savinho has been nominated alongside United’s Garnacho and Mainoo.

Arsenal has four men’s nominees — Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba — as well as Mariona Caldentey in the women’s category.