Qualification Could Transform Transfer Plans—But a Missed Opportunity Might Force a Squad Overhaul
Manchester United are fully aware of what’s at stake in their Europa League final against Tottenham on May 21. Victory would not only secure a third trophy in three years but also a golden ticket back into the Champions League—a prize that could reshape the club’s future.
Manager Ruben Amorim has made no secret of the financial boost that comes with Europe’s elite competition. “The Champions League changes everything,” he admitted last month. “Facing top teams midweek raises the level, but we need the right squad to compete.”
Chief executive Omar Berrada echoed those sentiments, acknowledging that Champions League qualification would unlock greater spending power. “There’s no doubt—more revenue means more investment in the team,” he said in March. However, he insisted that even without European football, the club has backup plans to support Amorim in the transfer market.
But missing out on the Champions League wouldn’t just be a financial blow—it could also force a much-needed squad shake-up. Amorim inherited a team struggling to adapt to his 3-4-3 system, and without the burden of midweek European fixtures, he could focus fully on rebuilding.
Reports suggest United have a base budget of around £92.5 million, enough to chase top targets like Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and Man City’s Liam Delap. But further signings would likely depend on player sales—something that becomes easier without the need to rotate for European games.
The last time United spent a season outside Europe was in 2014-15 under Louis van Gaal, who ruthlessly cleared out 17 players in his first summer. Amorim may need similar decisiveness. With 28 senior players currently on the books—excluding loanees—several high-profile names could be on the chopping block.
Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelöf, and Christian Eriksen are expected to leave as free agents, while underperformers like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia could be sold to raise funds. Even key players like André Onana, Casemiro, and Rasmus Højlund aren’t entirely safe as Amorim looks to reshape the squad.
While Champions League football would bring prestige and cash, a season away from Europe might offer a hidden advantage—a chance to hit the reset button. For a club in desperate need of renewal, that could be the unexpected silver lining in an otherwise disappointing scenario.
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