Manchester United’s defeat in the Europa League final is set to have a knock-on effect far greater than a disappointing night in Bilbao.
For just the second time in the Premier League era, United will not compete in European competition next season. The Europa League not only offered silverware but also Champions League qualification and the associated lucrative rewards.
Ruben Amorim has already candidly admitted that the club’s transfer plans will be impacted. Even the most conservative of board members would likely not have accounted for such a low league finish and a post-season tour to Malaysia is in some part designed to combat that financial loss.
With the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules impacting spending, the Red Devils will require sales. Offloading high earners and bringing in players suited to Amorim’s demands are the priority, in what is shaping to be a busy and pivotal summer at Old Trafford.
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Cunha deal looks sure
Manchester United remain in advanced talks to sign Matheus Cunha, with the deal expected to be accelerated at the conclusion of the Premier League campaign. Cunha has accepted the project and the transfer was not dependent on qualification for the Champions League.
At £62.5m, it’s a sizeable investment for a Manchester United side without abundant resources. However, Cunha appears as close to a guarantee as is available on the market and possesses a profile that looks ideally suited to Amorim’s plan.
🚨🇧🇷 Matheus Cunha has decided to join Man United project regardless of the access to next Champions League.
He wants the move, talks are at final stages and the deal is expected to be sealed soon as revealed. pic.twitter.com/8itnLI6soc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 21, 2025
The Brazil international has been directly involved in 40 goals across the last two Premier League campaigns (27 goals, 13 assists), and has operated in a similar system at Wolves. Additionally, he has the physical profile desired with Amorim having expressed concern over the athletic capabilities of his team. At 25, his best seasons still look ahead of him.
Liam Delap to follow?
Rasmus Hojlund’s anonymous display in the Europa League final was the latest lacklustre performance of a poor season. The Denmark international impressed in year one, but has gone backwards considerably this season. A return of four league goals is a paltry return for a player who, despite only recently turning 22, cost £72m from Atalanta in 2023.
Hojlund’s immediate future is unclear but a centre-forward is a priority. Liam Delap’s name continues to be circled given his release clause and an impressive campaign at Ipswich Town. Though there will be reservations over another ‘project’ forward, the 22-year-old scored 12 league goals in a relegated side and emerged as one of the best ball-carrying forwards in the division.
✅ Must be a centre forward
✅ Must play in a T5 European league
✅ Must be aged 22 or younger
✅ Must have scored 10+ goals
✅ Must have 60+ shot-creating actions
✅ Must complete 45%+ of take-ons
The following search criteria returns exactly one player: Liam Delap. 📈 pic.twitter.com/STia3woR3F
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 25, 2025
His ability to hold up possession and drive his side up the pitch has impressed, while he’s another who would lift the physical floor of Amorim’s side. Hopes of landing a marquee name in Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyokeres appear over, but the promise of a first-choice role could see United win the chase for Delap, who will be eyeing an England spot at next year’s World Cup. For £30m, it’s a deal that makes plenty of sense, even given the leap from Portman Road to Old Trafford.
What areas are Manchester United looking to strengthen?
Further business is set to depend on sales, but a goalkeeper, midfielder and another option in the forward line are also on the agenda.
Recent reports have linked Manchester United with Emiliano Martinez, who could be sacrificed by Aston Villa to remain compliant with PSR. The Argentina goalkeeper would represent an upgrade on Andre Onana, who has admirers in the Saudi Pro League.
Lyon winger Rayan Cherki – who has a £19m release clause – is an attractive option, while the Red Devils have been linked with a move to re-sign former academy product Angel Gones. The England international is leaving Lille as a free agent.
Who could leave Manchester United this summer?
Alejandro Garnacho’s latest expression of unhappiness could lead to a summer exit, with the Argentine publicly upset with his lack of minutes in the Europa League final. Napoli expressed interest in the Argentine in January, while Atletico Madrid have also been named as suitors.
Given a value in the region of £50m, his homegrown status for PSR calculations, and the lack of a clear role in Amorim’s system, it’s a deal that could facilitate further investment.
The futures of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony are also to be decided. Chelsea look unlikely to complete their obligation on Sancho, with a penalty fine of £5m in the contract. Given Sancho’s status as a loss-making disposal, this could in fact be a benefit to PSR calculations for 2024/25. However, offloading the unwanted winger will be a priority.
Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa has a £40m purchase option, another transfer that would greatly benefit PSR. At this stage, it’s unclear whether either club or player are interested in making the move permanent and a deal could hinge on whether Villa secure a place in the Champions League.
Antony’s stock has risen at Real Betis, though an asking price of £32.5m appears out of reach for the Spanish side. Though there are rival suitors, even a sale of that figure would not drastically improve PSR calculations given the £82m outlay on the player in 2022.
If you haven’t been lucky enough to see Antony’s goal yet…
Here it is. 🇧🇷🐐#LALIGAHighlights pic.twitter.com/c80T7IzNtC
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) May 8, 2025
Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans will all depart when their contracts expire. Those exits will recoup around £19.7m per season in wages.
Read – Shaw admits Europa League defeat ‘so damaging’ for Man United future
See more – Garnacho casts doubt on Man United future after ‘**** season’
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