Manchester United have already been handed a transfer blow after the Europa League final defeatManchester United have already been handed a transfer blow after the Europa League final defeat
Manchester United have already been handed a transfer blow after the Europa League final defeat | Getty Images
Man Utd will see their summer plans altered by their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
It is very difficult to find any silver lining after Manchester United lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday night. The lacklustre defeat not only condemned United to a trophyless season, but it also ensured they missed out on Champions League football and the riches that come with it.
Tottenham are estimated to earn roughly £100 million from their qualification, while it will also make them a much more attractive prospect to join this summer. There is also a huge confidence boost under Ange Postecoglou after he gave the club their first trophy in 17 years.
United had budgeted for the summer transfer window with the expectation they would not have European football next season and it is a reality they must now accept. Ruben Amorim has an even bigger job on his hands to overhaul the first-team squad and must sign the right profile of players in term of ability and personality.
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Viktor Gyokeres deal 'more complicated'
We will never know who might have joined Manchester United this summer, had they won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League. But that doesn't make it any more comforting. There is no denying the fact some players would only have moved to Old Trafford if they could offer Champions League football, as many stars look to play at the highest level possible in a season that will end with a World Cup.
One of those players is Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres. The 26-year-old is expected to leave the Portuguese club this summer after an extraordinary campaign that saw him score 53 goals in 51 appearances and register 13 assists. A reunion with former coach Ruben Amorim had been muted, but it now seems highly unlikely.
It is understood Gyokeres has a £60 million release clause in his current deal that might be too steep for United to match along with his wage demands. There is plenty of interest in the star striker too, and United can not offer Champions League football like so many other clubs can this summer.
Writing in his latest GIVEMESPORT newsletter, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed the bad news for United fans, though he did offer a slight glimmer of hope. "It can be more complicated also from a financial point of view, but the race for Gyokeres is still open. Nothing has been decided, so let’s see!"
United have prioritised the addition of a striker in the summer transfer window and have held talks with Ipswich Town star Liam Delap over a possible move. The 22-year-old has a £30 million relegation release clause in his current deal but United face stiff competition to pull off the bargain deal. Chelsea and Newcastle are both also interested in a move and both clubs could also have Champions League football to offer by the end of the week.
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