United won’t be playing in Europe next season and that is expected to take a big hit in their planning
Manchester United are coming to the end of a campaign marked by chaos. With one game left in the Premier League, they are in 16th place, far short of the minimum targets they set themselves in August. Defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham was confirmation of a season that had been falling apart since the first few slip-ups. Brennan Johnson’s goal sealed the night in Bilbao and extinguished the only hope of Champions League qualification. The pressure on coach Ruben Amorim has grown and doubts about the sporting project are intensifying.
Rio Ferdinand reveals how Manchester United will suffer in the summer transfer window after no European competition next season
After the defeat, Rio Ferdinand shared a critical view of the club’s current situation. For him, this season has not only ended badly, but has never had a clear line. He considers that the team did not show the necessary character to compete for a title and that the approach was too cautious. In his view, the performance in the final reflected the fear of both sides of losing, rather than the ambition to win. The former defender suggests that this result will directly affect summer planning. He believes that the absence in the Champions League completely changes the type of players that can be signed.
“It’s been a disaster of a season which has ended on a bad note but I don’t think they did enough to deserve it. I thought both teams looked scared to lose it. You can’t expect to win a trophy when you are playing a little bit reserved and conservative, you have to be brave in these moments. It’s going to be a long, long summer. That recruitment list they had will have to be scrapped now because they are not going to have Champions League football. It is a completely different list to recruit from.”
I partly agree with Ferdinand. The absence in the Champions League does hit hard on the attraction of players, especially when you are competing with clubs that will offer that European showcase. There are players who prioritize competing at the highest level, and United can’t guarantee that today. But I don’t think everything should be thrown away. Rather than discarding the transfer list, they should adjust it. There is talent that sees Old Trafford as an opportunity to shine and lead a rebuild. And there are young players who could be attracted to a long-term project if the club are clear about their vision.
Rio Ferdinand reflects on the aftermath of Manchester United's loss against Tottenham
Rio Ferdinand reflects on the aftermath of Manchester United’s loss against Tottenham
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The first step must be to review what kind of team they want to build. Amorim, if he continues, must be given real backing and time. If not, a coach with a clear idea and the ability to rebuild from scratch should be sought. The summer should focus on identifying leaders on and off the field. It’s not just about spending, it’s about choosing wisely. The sporting management must also take its share of responsibility for this year’s mistakes and act decisively.
From another point of view, elimination can serve as an internal shake-up. Sometimes, hitting rock bottom triggers a response. The club need to recover its identity and commitment. Maybe without the Champions League, but with a good pre-season, the right decisions in the market, and a clear discourse from the coaching staff, Manchester United can rebuild without relying exclusively on the European cartel. And if there is one thing that the club’s history teaches us, it is that in their worst moments, they manage to reinvent themselves.