Manchester United have a make-or-break summer under boss Ruben Amorim, needing to make the overhaul he desires to get the best out of his first-team squad.
The 40-year-old took the reins back in November from Erik ten Hag after he was sacked, looking to lead the side back up to the top of the Premier League table.
However, with just a handful of games to go, the Red Devils sit in the bottom half of the table, closer to the relegation zone than a place within the European spots.
They could still secure a place in the Champions League next season should they win the Europa League, potentially having a final against fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur.
Regardless of whether they are in Europe again next season, Amorim will want new signings to improve their league standing and push for a top-four spot in 2025/26.
An update on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Given the cost-cutting operation currently in place at United, it remains to be seen how much funds the manager will have at his disposal to make the signings he desires.
Whilst Matheus Cunha will remain the club’s number one option, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has once again emerged on their shortlist ahead of the summer.
The Swede has once again been subject to interest from the Red Devils, with talks already being held over a possible switch to see him reunite with his former boss.
However, further progress has already been made elsewhere in an attempt to secure the signature of Real Madrid’s star forward Rodrygo, with reports in Spain putting United firmly in the race for his services.
They’ve reported that the Red Devils have already submitted a €80m (£68m) offer for his services, but it remains to be seen whether the LaLiga giants will accept such a bid.
It also states that the Brazilian wants to stay in Madrid but could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, needing to make a decision whether or not he’s keen on the transfer.
Why United’s £68m target would be perfect with Bruno
Bruno Fernandes has been United’s shining light in attacking areas over the last few months, playing a pivotal role in their success in the Europa League – as seen on Thursday night.
The 30-year-old registered two goals in the win over Athletic Club in the first leg, handing them an advantage over the return leg at Old Trafford next week.
His subsequent double has taken him to a staggering 19 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, by far and away the highest of any player within the first-team squad.
However, such a tally could be bolstered even further next year should the club conduct a deal for Rodrygo, with the Brazilian having all the tools to thrive alongside Fernandes at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old has registered 14 goals and nine assists for the LaLiga giants, a figure that would certainly see United increase their output within the final third.
Games played
30
Goals & assists
11
Pass accuracy
91%
Successful dribbles
2.3
Chances created
2.3
Tackles won
67%
Duels won
5.3
He’s also managed to complete 2.3 successful dribbles per 90, along with 2.3 chances created – potentially partnering the Portuguese international behind the strikers and providing endless opportunities.
Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “one of the best” by current boss Carlo Ancelotti, has also starred without the ball, winning 67% of the tackles he’s entered alongside 5.3 duels won per 90 – fitting perfectly into Amorim’s hard-working and relentless system.
Should the club pull off such a signing over the summer transfer window, it would be an excellent piece of business that would add needed quality to the forward line.
£68m may seem like another hefty fee forked out by the hierarchy, but given his age and his form, he’s only going to develop further, potentially being the Red Devils’ leading talisman for many years to come and leading them back to Premier League success.
Amorim must offload 5/10 Man Utd dud who’s becoming the new Van de Beek
Manchester United took a huge step towards the Europa League final last night with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club.
ByEthan LambMay 2, 2025