ESTADIO SAN MAMES, BILBAO, SPAIN - 2025/05/21: Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United FC, looks on during the award ceremony following the UEFA Europa League final football match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Manchester United FC. Tottenham Hotspur FC won 1-0 over Manchester United FC. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Manchester United is grappling with significant challenges in the transfer market as the club seeks to rebuild following a disappointing 15th-place finish in the 2024/25 Premier League season. The performance marked the club’s lowest position in the Premier League era, largely influenced by a series of costly transfer missteps. As the 2025/26 campaign unfolds, the club has concentrated on bolstering its attacking lineup, securing players such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko for a total exceeding £200 million.
Despite these high-profile signings, gaps persist in the squad, and former Manchester United forward Brian McClair contends that the lack of European football has hindered the club’s ability to attract top talent this summer. In an interview with FourFourTwo, McClair stated, “It would’ve been a lot easier to bring in quality players this summer with the attraction of the Champions League. No European football means less money to spend, and less reason to choose Manchester United over others.”
This summer’s transfer window poses unique challenges for the club, particularly in its quest for seasoned players who can perform at a high level immediately. McClair emphasized the importance of experience in a struggling team. He noted that “you can afford to take a few gambles when you’re on top and winning things, but a team struggling for form needs players that won’t require time to settle.”
McClair also highlighted the difficulties faced by players like Rasmus Hojlund, who struggled last season under the weight of expectations while the team struggled to generate scoring opportunities. “That’s where you need big-game players to step up and alleviate some pressure,” he added. The only player who consistently rose to the occasion last season was Bruno Fernandes, according to McClair, who believes the team requires more players of that caliber.
Ruben Amorim’s First Summer Transfer Window
This transfer window also marks the first foray into player recruitment for new manager Ruben Amorim. McClair expressed confidence in Amorim’s vision for the team. “The manager has a clear idea of how he likes to set his teams up and win games,” he stated. Amorim has favored a back three formation, and McClair suggested that acquiring the right players to fit this system is critical.
He noted that since Amorim’s arrival, it has become evident that not all existing players are suited to this tactical approach. “He needs the right mix of players to make that work,” McClair explained, underscoring the importance of aligning player profiles with the manager’s strategic vision.
As Manchester United aims to rectify its past missteps and enhance its squad for the upcoming season, the focus will not only be on new signings but also on cultivating a competitive environment where players can thrive under the pressures of top-flight football. The stakes are high as the club seeks to return to its former glory, and the impact of this summer’s transfer decisions will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike.
