Manchester United are enduring a nightmare 2024/25 season, with their domestic struggles reaching historic new lows. The Red Devils, once synonymous with dominance and success, now face the stark reality of their worst-ever campaign in the EPL since the competition’s inception in 1992/93.
Man Utd can reach a maximum of just 42 points this term, marking a staggering drop from their previous low of 58 points in the 2021/22 campaign, while they could potentially finish as low as 17th in the table.
Despite their domestic difficulties, Ruben Amorim (and Erik ten Hag earlier in the season) has masterminded an impressive Europa League campaign, keeping United unbeaten in the competition thus far – the only side to achieve that feat this term. The Red Devils now face a season-defining showdown with fellow EPL strugglers Tottenham in the final, with Champions League qualification hanging in the balance.
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Given Man Utd’s disastrous season, the Red Devils are expected to be active in the summer transfer window, with plans to significantly strengthen the squad and build in line with Amorim’s tactical style.
The club have reportedly identified several high-profile targets to bolster key areas, but doubts have been raised over their ability to attract such players if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, with it suggested that marquee names on the shortlist are hesitant to join the club unless the team secures a place in Europe’s premier competition.
Furthermore, Manchester United’s financial issues remain a significant concern, with the added revenue from a potential Europa League triumph and Champions League qualification providing a much-needed boost, giving the club a more flexible budget to work with in the summer transfer window.
With that in mind, we will be exploring what Manchester United could look like next season with Champions League football versus without any European football at all:
Without Champions League Football
While Man Utd may need UCL football to secure the very best talents, millions of players across the globe still dream of playing for the side that once dominated English football.
The Red Devils are reportedly close to agreeing a transfer fee with Wolverhampton Wanderers for Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian having supposedly already agreed to join the club in the summer.
Liam Delap is also a top target for Man Utd in attack, with Amorim eager to bolster striking options to improve their current record of just 42 goals in 36 league games, with the Red Devils also currently holding a -11 goal difference.
Sunderland’s talented midfielder Chris Rigg is on Man Utd’s radar, with the club reportedly eager to not miss out on the opportunity to sign one of the most talented youngsters in English football, though Rigg would be unlikely to start for the side.
Potential Starting XI:
Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Garnacho, Cunha; Delap
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With Champions League Football
With Champions League football secured, Manchester United could still pursue and acquire the high-profile signings that both align with Amorim’s tactical vision and could transform the side.
Big names like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres – both potential solutions to Man Utd’s striker issue – will likely only join with UCL football, while it has been reported that even Ipswich Town’s Delap could be uncertain about joining the Red Devils if they fail to win the Europa League final.
Franco Mastantuono has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking talents in the world in recent months, with the 17-year-old being linked with a host of clubs across Europe. Man Utd are supposedly interested in signing the forward, but any move is expected to be unsuccessful without the prospect of Champions League football.
Potential Starting XI:
Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Branthwaite; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Garnacho, Cunha; Osimhen
All in all, it is clear that Manchester United must secure Champions League football if they are to strengthen every key position in order to rapidly move up the Premier League table next season and avoid another miserable campaign.
Will it be United salvaging their season with silverware – or Spurs finally ending the wait for a trophy? Whoever you’re backing tonight, it’s risk-free with Bet9ja. Bet here!
