Matheus Cunha thanks the fans at the end of the match during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Brentford FC at Molineux.
Matheus Cunha is closing in on a move to Manchester United. (Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)
It was a season to forget for Manchester United with the club knowing that there will be no European football played at Old Trafford in the 2025/26 season.
A 15th place finish in the Premier League and a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final last week means that there will be a rebuild at Old Trafford. A lot of that will happen in the upcoming transfer window.
Ruben Amorim came into the club at the end of last year, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. But he was unable to turn the season around. Addressing supporters following the final game of the season - a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, the United boss promised that “the good days are coming.”
“We have to make a choice, or we stay stuck in the past because this season is in the past; it's over. We fight each other, or we stick together and move forward,” he said.
"Six months ago, after my first three games in charge with two victories and one draw, I said to you, 'the storm is coming'. Today, after this disastrous season, I want to tell you the good days are coming.
"If there is one club in the world that has proven in the past that can overcome any situation, any disaster, it is our club. It is Manchester United Football Club”
As eyes turn to next season, a lot of work will be needed in the transfer window for what the club hopes will be a more successful campaign.
Here’s our look at just some of the things we think should happen over the next few weeks and months.
Matheus Cunha arrives
United look to be closing in on their first signing of the summer, just days after the end of the season. An agreement is said to have been reached with Matheus Cunha, which will see United pay his £62.5 million release clause to Wolves.
The player is reported to have agreed a five year contract at Old Trafford with the option of another year, with the final details of the transfer being ironed out.
Cunha has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, despite Wolves’ struggles before the arrival of manager Victor Pereira. The 26-year-old scored 15 times in 33 Premier League appearances in the season just gone.
Given United’s need for attacking players in the summer, he will add quality in the forward areas at Old Trafford. Getting the deal done early will also show a good statement of intent by United.
Liam Delap signs
Another attacking player who has impressed in a struggling team this season. There is a lot of competition for the signature of Ipswich Town striker Delap, with the player having a £30 million relegation release clause in his contract.
The 22-year-old scored 12 times in 37 appearances in his first full season in the Premier League. Given his age, he has shown huge potential to be able to make the step up to the next level.
Given the struggles and the uncertainty of the future of both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, a new recognised striker should be one of the priorities for United in the summer.
Delap has already proven that he can score in the Premier League. For £30 million he could prove to be a bargain.
Squad refresh
As well as incomings, it’s expected to be a busy transfer window for United in terms of outgoings too. It has already been confirmed that Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Cristian Eriksen will all leave the club at the end of their contracts in the summer.
They will be joined by other players who will move on. The three most obvious candidates to raise funds are Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho
All have spent time away from the club on loan this season, and are not expected to be reintegrated into the squad upon their return.
United have put a price of £40 million on Rashford, while Antony will be available for around £32.5 million.
Chelsea have an obligation to make Sancho’s move permanent for £25 million, but look set to pay a penalty fee of £5 million to send him back to Old Trafford. United would then be on the lookout for another buyer.
Two more players who United could look to sell are Alejandro Garnacho and Hojlund. There has been talk over the future of the former since January, with him hinting that he didn’t know what the future held following the Europa League defeat.
Hojlund has struggled to make an impact at United since his move. The arrival of a new striker such as Delap is likely to push him down the pecking order.
United could look to cash in on the Danish international to raise funds for more incomings.