The Red Devils are set to lose out on a lot of their summer transfer targets
Manchester United’s nightmare season was not limited to disastrous performances in the Premier League. The Europa League represented their last chance to salvage a year littered with mistakes, injuries, inconsistent decisions and a lack of conviction. But the defeat to Tottenham in the Bilbao final was more than just a loss. It meant the total collapse of their project for next season. They will not play European tournaments for the first time since 2014, and that absence weighs. History says so, but this time it feels worse. Because the current situation offers no sign that it is all just a passing blip.
Manchester United won’t be able to sign their four targets in the summer transfer window
Losing the final has had immediate effects on the market. Without the lure of the Champions League, certain profiles no longer even consider the red jersey as a serious option. Give Me Sport has reported that Liam Delap, who seemed to have the Red Devils as a preference, would now lean towards Chelsea. Viktor Gyokeres, scorer of 39 goals for Sporting, rules out joining a team without top-level competition. Osimhen, who continues to generate interest after his loan spell in Turkey, has better cards on the table. And Rayan Cherki, a talent who intrigues many, is unlikely to prioritise Old Trafford over other offers. Lack of ambition reflected in results kills the desire to belong.
Manchester United face a storm that is difficult to avoid. Absence in Europe becomes a barrier to quality signings, just when they need fresh talent the most. Without adequate reinforcements, rebuilding is limited and forced to rely on risky gambles or players looking to redeem themselves. Money doesn’t fix everything if the project doesn’t inspire, and that is the real problem. United today does not offer a clear future. Young players with potential are thinking about progressing, not stagnating, and that weighs more than the name or the history.
Why won't Manchester United be able to sign their four top targets in the upcoming summer transfer window?
Why won’t Manchester United be able to sign their four top targets in the upcoming summer transfer window?
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The solution will not come from the bench alone. Even if they change coach, if they do, they need a sporting management with vision, courage and coherence. They need to go for a clear system, reduce the excessive rotation and focus on a solid base. More players like Mainoo and Amad, less inflated names without purpose. The youth academy must regain prominence; if you can’t sign the best, train your own. Also, competing without Europe can be a blessing in disguise. With fewer games, they can focus on the league and polish mistakes without so much wear and tear.
But to do so, they must honestly accept that they are a long way from the standards they once represented. The first step is to accept that they are no longer scary. That clubs like Brighton or Aston Villa offer more attractive projects. From that point, and only from that point, can they start to build something real. The fall hurts, but the problem wasn’t losing a final; the problem is having gone into it with no identity and coming out of it with no direction. If they don’t correct that, neither the Champions League nor the millions will prevent the club from staying in limbo for another decade.