Report: Manchester United axe Christmas party after poor start to season

Manchester United have reportedly decided against holding a Christmas party this year following their poor start to the season.

The Red Devils usually host a sit-down lunch and hold their own pantomime during the festive period, before heading into the city for a group night out.

After struggling in the first three months of 2018-19, however, The Sun reports that the day of activities will not go ahead this year.

An Old Trafford source is quoted by the publication as saying: "There are no plans as such for a Christmas party of any kind this year as of this moment in time.

"It does show a lack of leaders in the squad. You'd think someone would stand up and try and get everyone going. The word went out at Carrington this week about getting together to organise something in the city centre.

"But nobody was bothered about it and even last year's Christmas dinner at the training ground was embarrassing. People could just come and get lunch as and when with no academy panto or festive vibe apart from the turkey."

United are eighth in the Premier League out of the EFL Cup, and still have plenty of work to do in their Champions League group following their home loss to Juventus last week.