Fans of Manchester United look dejected following defeat in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 against Tottenham
Manchester United fans have had little to cheer about this season
Manchester United will have watched the scenes in Liverpool on Monday enviously as Arne Slot's side celebrated their Premier League title success with a city centre parade.
Those jealous looks will only grow in the coming days as Liverpool close in on a move for Jeremie Frimpong as they chase a first signing of the summer.
The Bayer Leverkusen star is set to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is departing Anfield on a free transfer to join Real Madrid. Liverpool have acted swiftly in their succession plan on the right. United haven't had anything resembling a succession plan for a decade or more.
Liverpool are also believed to be leading the chase for Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen. His arrival would be a significant coup, albeit an expensive one, and would cement a statement start to the window on Merseyside.
Meanwhile in Manchester, United will entertain offers for any of their players after a catastrophic season that ended with a 15th place finish in the Premier League and a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham which ended any Champions League dream.
Ruben Amorim faces a monumental rebuild at Old Trafford as United seek a way back into the top six. The Reds have a few players to build around (Leny Yoro, Amad) and a few more who would prove valuable squad options (Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu) - but in truth, too many of the squad are not up to the task.
As United embark on their latest overhaul, their traditional rivals are tinkering. Liverpool have been quick out of the blocks and while Manchester City will be busy this summer, if the Blues have better luck with injuries they already have a squad capable of challenging. Arsenal, second for the past three Premier League seasons, will feel they are a striker away from taking the next step.
Newcastle United and Aston Villa are in considerably better shape than United, while even the mid-table clubs like Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth know how to forward plan. That trio often sell for big money, replace well and repeat the trick. United buy for big money and get lumbered with expensive failures.
There is no market for a host of significant signings - from Casemiro to Antony, Mason Mount to Rasmus Hojlund.
Liverpool will replace one of the most talented Premier League players in a generation in Alexander-Arnold almost before he officially leaves. United are still searching for replacements for players who departed a decade ago. It's a familiar failing and Amorim and Ineos must find a solution otherwise the Reds will remain on the outside looking in.
---
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.
*And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.*