Man Utd forced to RIP UP transfer Plan A and settle for second-tier targets after devastating Europa League final defeat

The Irish Sun

22-05-2025

MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced to settle for second best in the upcoming transfer window as a result of their Europa League final defeat.
The Red Devils
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Man Utd could be forced to settle for 'Plan B' in the transfer market after losing the Europa League final
Credit: Getty
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The Red Devils are set to miss out on £100m worth of revenue
Credit: Alamy
Having failed to earn a place in the Champions League ahead of the 2025-26 campaign,
That will come from a cut in sponsorship income, TV revenue and gate receipts.
Consequently, they will not be able to attract or sign their priority targets for this summer's transfer window.
Sporting Lisbon striker
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But
Following the club's Europa League final defeat, Amorim admitted: "We have two plans for the market.
"We need to understand that it is tough for a club like ours not to be the in the Champions League.
"But we have to use the other side.
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"If we have more time to think and to work during the week and to be better in the Premier League, that will be our focus."
SunSport revealed earlier this week that Lorenzo Lucca, Mateo Retegui, former Everton star Moise Kean and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta are being considered as back-up targets.
Maguire and Romero in post-match scrap as Man Utd and Tottenham stars' battle continues after Europa League final
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Bruno Fernandes hinted he could leave
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To make matters worse for United, the absence of European football could see the likes of
Club captain Fernandes has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent months.
And he admitted on Wednesday that he would be
The midfielder said: "I have always been honest. I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go.
"I'm eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days.
"In the day that the club thinks that I'm too much or it's time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I've always said it and I keep my word in the same way.
"If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it's what it is, and football sometimes is like this."
Meanwhile,
He said: "It's difficult for all of us. This season has been s***.
Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depth
AMAD DIALLO'S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
Rasmus Hojlund's plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years - as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches.
Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity - on 42 minutes.
Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr's inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way.
The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick.
But United's chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest.
The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on.
Here's how SunSport's
"We lost the final, we didn't beat anyone in the league. It's very difficult.
"I've played every round until I reached the final, but I only played 20 minutes today.
"I'll enjoy the summer and then we'll see."
The United boss explained: "In this moment, I am not going to be here defending myself. It's not my style, I cannot do it. It is really hard for me.
"So I have nothing to show to the fans and say, 'I'm going to improve because of this, I have these problems…' I will not do nothing.
"In this moment, it is a little bit of faith. Let's see.
"I'm always open, if the board and the fans feel that I am not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation.
"But I will not quit. I am really confident in my job. As you can see, I will not change nothing in how I do things."
Man Utd face
They could finish the campaign as low as 17th in the table.
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Alejandro Garnacho also hinted at an exit after slamming the club's poor season
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