Manchester United’s season now rests heavily on their Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur on 21 May, with a Champions League place also hanging in the balance.

Despite the potential of securing a third trophy in as many seasons, United are reportedly not planning a traditional open-top bus parade should they emerge victorious. Instead, according to The Times, celebrations will be far more subdued, with a barbecue at the club’s Carrington training ground expected to take the place of any city-wide festivities.

While silverware is always significant, the greater incentive for United lies in the financial and sporting rewards of Champions League qualification. Organising large-scale post-final events requires considerable advance planning, and with United’s tight fixture schedule, arranging a public parade has proven unfeasible.

Just days after the Europa League final, the Red Devils host Aston Villa at Old Trafford in their final Premier League fixture of the campaign. That match will be swiftly followed by a post-season tour of Asia, including a friendly in Kuala Lumpur on 28 May and another fixture just two days later. Players are then expected to report for international duty almost immediately, leaving no room for a formal parade.

As a result, United plan to mark the occasion privately with a celebration at Carrington for players, staff and their families. By contrast, Spurs are reportedly set to organise a public parade should they lift the trophy.

United have not held an open-top bus parade since 2013, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s final Premier League title. Since then, they have added the Europa League, two League Cups and two FA Cups to their trophy cabinet.

Despite the potential glory in Bilbao, manager Rúben Amorim has played down suggestions that a Europa League win would redeem a difficult campaign. Speaking ahead of the final, he admitted:

“Everyone knows how important this is for our season, but we also know that nothing will truly save it.

“Yes, winning a trophy and qualifying for the Champions League can change a lot in the summer—new funds, new opportunities—but it’s not the ultimate fix.

“People will see the season differently, particularly when evaluating the manager, but the issues run deeper.

“We must make significant changes, be more consistent, recruit wisely, and strengthen our academy. That’s how we return to the top—not just by lifting one trophy.

“The Europa League would be more of a shortcut to the Champions League. Nothing more. The real problems need long-term solutions, and we are very clear about that.”