Manchester United’s season ended in tatters after a disappointing Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
The entire 2024/25 campaign was riding on Manchester United winning the Europa League in order to qualify for the Champions League next season.
However, United lost 1-0 to Tottenham in Bilbao meaning that the Red Devils have missed out on over £100 million of revenue and will miss out entirely on European football.
United legend Rio Ferdinand fears United will have to scrap transfer plans after losing the final, and ultimately it means Ineos may have to sell even more key players to balance the books.
To make matters worse, one of Ineos’ top targets could now be poached by Tottenham.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Tottenham could poach £70m Ineos target this summer
Last summer was the first transfer window under Ineos’ control and £200 million was spent on five major signings.
Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui all arrived to strengthen United’s defence, but none of the three were Ineos’ top target that window.
Initially, Ineos wanted to sign Jarrad Branthwaite with United submitting several bids for the Everton defender.
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United agreed personal terms with Branthwaite but the two clubs never agreed on a fee with Everton holding out for £70m.
According to The Times, Tottenham share an interest in the £70m-rated Jarrad Branthwaite as they look to strengthen their defence this summer.
Man United must give up on Jarrad Branthwaite pursuit
When United were looking for a young, first-choice centre-back last summer, it made sense for Ineos to pursue Branthwaite but the Red Devils did well to not bow down to Everton’s asking price.
Instead, Ineos struck a bargain £38 million deal for Matthijs de Ligt, who has made a positive impact in defence this season.
With the likes of Ayden Heaven, Tyler Fredricson and Godwill Kukonki coming through the academy ranks at United, there is no need for Ineos to go and splash the cash on big-name centre-back signing this summer.
READ MORE: Ineos can now abandon £70m move thanks to Ruben Amorim’s inspired decision at Man United
Leny Yoro enjoyed a mightily impressive debut season at United and will look to improve next season, while Lisandro Martinez should return from injury in 2026.
United are well-stocked in defence, so the restricted budget this summer should go towards improving the firepower available to Amorim.