Manchester United asked rivals City if Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could cadge a lift with their party of eight nominees to the Ballon d’Or – only to be told the flight was full.
Mail Sport understands that the Premier League champions have chartered a private jet to ferry their sizable delegation to Paris for the Monday night awards ceremony.
And in a move which may well raise eyebrows, it can be revealed that United asked their neighbours if they had any room for their two hopefuls.
Sadly for the Old Trafford club they were informed that there was no room on the flight and alternate arrangements had to be arranged.