Man United decide against flying with Russian state airline Aeroflot to Madrid as Ukraine tensions escalate

The recent escalation of the Russia–Ukraine conflict has had an unexpected effect on Manchester United's travelling arrangements ahead of Atletico Madrid.

On Monday, president Vladimir Putin officially recognised separatist states in Eastern Ukraine, leading to renewed calls of a boycott of Russian businesses.

The Red Devils have a longstanding commercial partnership with Aeroflot and face a dilemma since the Russian government owns a 57.3% stake in the airline.

Man United made a decision not to travel with their official airline partner to Madrid on Tuesday as UEFA continue to 'closely monitor' the alarming situation.

Instead, the Red Devils chose a charter airline, UK-based Titan Airways to travel to the Spanish capital. However, the Aeroflot partnership is still officially in force.

Source: ESPN FC