UNITED IN STEW OVER DINNER

MANCHESTER UNITED players were embarrassed to attend the club’s glitzy awards dinner at the end of a dismal season. It’s understood some felt awkward about appearing at the black-tie event at Old Trafford on Thursday night after United missed out on a top-four spot, while arch-rivals Manchester City and Liverpool are battling for the title. Player of the year Luke Shaw acknowledged it had been a ‘bad season’ in his acceptance speech and an insider told Sportsmail: ‘Most of them felt uncomfortable being there after the season they’ve had. There has been nothing to celebrate. ‘The feeling was more one of embarrassment. The players only thought the women’s team and kids have done anything worth celebrating.’ United finish at home to Cardiff tomorrow with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitting it would be ‘miraculous’ if his team are title challengers next season. He will begin rebuilding by signing 21-year-old Wales and Swansea winger Daniel James for £10m. United have confirmed that assistant manager Mike Phelan, 56, has signed a new contract. He was a candidate to become technical director but United will now look elsewhere — with Rio Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher among the contenders.