Manchester United is grappling with significant challenges in the current transfer window, primarily due to their absence from European competitions. Following a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season, the club identified a pressing need to strengthen its squad. With the new 2025/26 Premier League campaign on the horizon, Manchester United has targeted attacking players, securing the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko for a combined total exceeding £200 million.
Despite these acquisitions, former Manchester United forward Brian McClair has highlighted a critical issue: the lack of European football is hindering the club’s ability to attract top talent. In a recent 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.”
The club’s strategy has focused heavily on bolstering its attacking options, yet McClair believes that significant gaps remain in the squad. He emphasized the importance of signing players who can immediately impact the team: “You can afford to take a few gambles when you’re on top and winning things, but a team struggling for form needs to bring in experience that won’t need time to settle.”
Last season was particularly challenging for young striker Rasmus Hojlund, who faced immense pressure to score goals in a team that struggled to create opportunities. McClair noted, “Sometimes you need players with big egos, people who aren’t afraid to grab the limelight. The only one who regularly did that last season was Bruno Fernandes. That has to change.”
New Manager, New Approach
This summer marks the first transfer window under the leadership of manager Ruben Amorim. McClair believes that Amorim’s tactical philosophy will influence the types of players the club needs to pursue. “The manager has a clear idea of how he likes to set his teams up and win games,” he remarked. “He has been wedded so far to his back three and I can’t see that changing, so it’s about bringing in the right faces to make that system work.”
McClair’s insights highlight the ongoing need for Manchester United to not only invest in new talent but also ensure that these players fit into Amorim’s tactical framework. “It’s been clear since he arrived that not everybody already at the club was suited to it. He needs the right mix of players to make that work,” he added.
As Manchester United prepares for the upcoming season, the pressure is on both the management and the new signings to turn the tide. The absence of European football is a significant hurdle, but with the right strategies and signings, the club hopes to restore its former glory and improve on last season’s performance. The coming months will be telling as the team looks to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for honors once again.