Manchester United players will each be allocated just two complimentary tickets for next week’s UEFA Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, scheduled to take place at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on 21 May. The restriction is part of the club’s effort to ensure the majority of its ticket allocation is reserved for travelling supporters.
Players have been informed that they will be allowed to purchase up to 10 additional tickets for family and friends, but must take full responsibility for the logistics of getting their guests to and from the match in northern Spain. No formal travel arrangements or group coordination will be provided by the club for guests beyond the main squad delegation.
United’s official ticket allocation from UEFA stands at 15,000, a figure that must accommodate season ticket holders, members, partners, staff, and player guests. The club has reiterated its commitment to prioritising the fan base, with thousands expected to travel to Bilbao from the UK for what promises to be a high-stakes all-English final.
“This is a special occasion, and we want to ensure as many of our supporters as possible can be inside the stadium cheering the team on,” a club spokesperson said. “Allocating the majority of tickets to fans is part of that commitment.”
While the limited allocation of free tickets to players is not unprecedented, it contrasts with practices for other major finals where players and staff were often given a broader ticket allowance and support in managing family attendance.
The decision follows another cost-conscious move revealed over the weekend — that Manchester United staff will not be offered complimentary tickets for the final, reversing a tradition that had seen backroom employees attend European finals as part of the club’s official party. Instead, a large-scale viewing party is being planned in central Manchester to allow employees to watch the match together.
Club insiders say the decision has caused some disappointment among staff, particularly long-serving employees who had hoped to attend the final in person. However, the club is seeking to balance fairness and inclusivity, given the limited ticket numbers and logistical challenges presented by the final being hosted in Bilbao, a relatively small city with limited accommodation and transport capacity for such a high-profile event.
Manchester United booked their place in the final after a dramatic semi-final win over Bayer Leverkusen, while Tottenham Hotspur advanced following a tense victory against Atalanta. The final on 21 May will be the first major European showdown between the two English giants in nearly two decades, and is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Bilbao.
Security and travel authorities in Spain are preparing for a large influx of British fans. Local officials have advised travelling supporters to plan well in advance due to anticipated pressure on hotels and transport infrastructure.
As the countdown begins, both clubs are finalising preparations on and off the pitch — but for United’s players and their families, the journey to Bilbao will require careful planning and, for some, a few compromises.
