Manchester United’s summer transfer plans may depend heavily on their Europa League campaign’s outcome.
With their Premier League season shaping up to be one of their worst, Ruben Amorim’s last hope for success lies in Europe. To prevent another disastrous season, a major squad overhaul will be essential, especially given the number of potential departures.
Midfield is a key area in need of reinforcement. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen appear past their prime, while Kobbie Mainoo’s future remains uncertain due to the financial challenges United could face if they fail to secure European football next season.
Currently, United is set to face Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Europa League tie, with the score level at 1-1. Amorim’s team must secure a win to advance, keeping alive their hopes of reclaiming the trophy they last lifted in 2017.
Without securing European football, Manchester United is unlikely to sign players like Frenkie de Jong, despite reports from Spain suggesting they have already made an offer. Fichajes claims the club submitted a £57.8m (€65m) bid, which was rejected ahead of the summer transfer window.
De Jong has one year left on his contract, and while Barcelona is keen to extend his deal, they may be forced to reconsider selling him if an agreement isn’t reached. However, despite his talent, the 27-year-old has struggled for game time, starting just four La Liga matches and four of Barcelona’s 10 Champions League fixtures this season. With Pedri, Gavi, Marc Casado, and Fermin Lopez ahead of him in the pecking order, his long-term future at the club remains uncertain.
United has pursued De Jong in the past, but their current situation is far less favorable than when they were last seriously linked with him.
Ruben Amorim’s Summer Transfer Plans
United is set to undergo a major squad overhaul, with Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, Tom Heaton, and Victor Lindelöf all expected to depart at the end of the season. Additional exits could be necessary to fund new signings, especially with European qualification looking increasingly unlikely.
Reports suggest Amorim has a blacklist of players who do not fit into his plans, including loanees and out-of-favor stars like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Antony, all of whom are said to have “no future” at the club.
Casemiro, Eriksen, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Højlund are also rumored to be on the chopping block, despite the club having spent nearly £200 million on the latter three. If United moves forward with this clear-out, they may have to accept significant financial losses on these players.
