Ruben Amorim has struggled in his first months at Manchester UnitedRuben Amorim has struggled in his first months at Manchester United
Ruben Amorim has struggled in his first months at Manchester United | Getty Images
Manchester United may need to look into the free agent market after Europa League final defeat
Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur was something Manchester United fans would have seriously dreaded and hoped never became a reality. To lose a cup final to anyone is bad enough for a club like United, but to lose a European final to a fellow Premier League side, who famously hadn’t won a trophy in 17 years, while simultaneously sitting 16th in the league table - will make Wednesday night a bitter pill to swallow for all those associated with United.
The Red Devils only have themselves to blame, failing to turn up on the night with only a couple of memorable opportunities at goal to show for in an abject evening’s work. The repercussions will keep coming, as United and Ruben Amorim had already begun to assess potential transfer targets ahead of the summer window - but may see some of these plans now thrown out the window.
The even more worrying truth could be in the financial implications this defeat has further down the line. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire recently told the BBC that the final was financially speaking “the most important match in the club's history”, with United recording a loss of £113m last year. The impact £100m from Champions League qualification could have had on the club speaks for itself, and the club may have to look down other avenues in the transfer market this summer.
Seven Premier League free agents United could sign
Kevin De Bruyne: The most high-profile Premier League player on the free agent market this summer, a move would surely be nigh-on impossible to pull off due to the Belgian’s strong links with departing club Manchester City. But if Bruno Fernandes was to have his head turned by the likes of Real Madrid... They couldn’t, could they?
Tyrick Mitchell: Out of contract with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, left-back Mitchell would be a smart signing for anyone in the Premier League if he could be tempted not to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park. Though Patrick Dorgu has impressed since arriving in January, Mitchell would be a more experienced alternative to provide competition at wing-back or even left of a back three.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Still only 28, it seems like Calvert-Lewin has been on the block forever, though having had such a tough run with injuries that he has never quite reached his potential. Still, he is probably a more reliable goalscorer than Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee - if he can be kept fit.
Tariq Lamptey: Set to depart Brighton & Hove Albion, 24-year-old Lamptey may feel he has something to prove after a mixed season at the Amex. Fellow right-back Kyle Walker-Peters is also set to depart relegated Southampton, and both would provide solid options to compete with Noussair Mazraoui.
Ola Aina: Another full-back who could be on the move, Nottingham Forest have somehow not tied the Nigerian down to a new deal despite his fantastic season at the City Ground. Forest are reportedly preparing a deal, but there is still time to make a move.
Thomas Partey: Along with team-mate Jorginho who has been linked with a move to Brazil, Partey is out of contract on 30 June and would probably be an upgrade on United’s current midfielders Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. Contract talks between Partey and Arsenal are still ongoing, though.
Callum Wilson: Newcastle United striker Wilson is a seasoned Premier League goalscorer, having netted 88 goals in a decade in the top flight. Would likely be a squad player if he were to sign, amidst rumours of a move to Hollywood-backed Wrexham in the Championship.
Six free agents from around Europe who may be available
Jonathan David: One of the names on everyone’s lips ahead of this summer, David has potential suitors across Europe including links with United. May be difficult to convince him to come without European football, but certainly not impossible.
Leroy Sané: United are reportedly one of several clubs who have been offered the chance to sign 29-year-old Sané on a free transfer. Hitting 13 goals in all competitions this season, Ruben Amorim should try to get this one over the line if it can be done.
Angel Gomes: Former United youth product Gomes has announced he will leave Lille at the end of the season. This would certainly be a full-circle moment if the England international were to return four years after he left United for nothing.
CJ Egan-Riley: Departing promoted Burnley after running his contract down with the Clarets, Egan-Riley is closing in on a move to Strasbourg, who can offer him European football - but nothing has been finalised yet.
Mario Pasalic: The Croatian international is still in talks to sign a new deal with Atalanta, though with negotiations likely taking until after the season has ended, a move is still possible.
Alex Meret: Another contract saga which has dragged out all season, Napoli goalkeeper Meret could be about to win Serie A but still doesn’t know where he will be playing his football next season. Could Ruben Amorim decide to replace André Onana?
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