Manchester United's summer transfer plans will almost certainly be influenced by the club's inability to win a trophy for the fifth year in a row.
With a new permanent manager on the way, the possibility of nine players departing, and a big list of summer transfer targets, Manchester United could be in for another summer of change. The team is keen to end a five-year trophy drought, which will be extended following their recent Champions League exit.
After Anthony Elanga's equalizer in Madrid, Ralf Rangnick's squad battled to a 1-1 draw away at Atletico Madrid. The Red Devils, however, were defeated in the rematch, falling victim to Renan Lodi's strike, which knocked them out of Europe at the round of 16 knockout stage. Man United has had another poor season, with the club taking one stride forward and two steps back far too frequently. It all but guarantees that United will not win any silverware this season, after their previous triumph in the 2016-17 Europa League final.
It's a long way from the trophy-laden days of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign. During his 27-year tenure at Old Trafford, the renowned Scot won 13 Premier League crowns, two Champions Leagues, and five FA Cups. The club has only won three trophies since his retirement in 2013.
Darren Bent, a former Tottenham and England striker, has criticized the current United squad, claiming that it needs a big change this summer as the team is far from fighting for the Premier League title: "They're a long distance away." He told Talksport, "I stated five years the other day, but it could be more like eight years."
Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Manchester United appears to be in jeopardy.
Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Manchester United appears to be in jeopardy. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images) )
When asked who players he would sell this summer, Bent said Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Edinson Cavani, Fred, Paul Pogba, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, all of whom have played consistently under Solskjaer and Rangnick this season.
"You keep [David] de Gea and you keep [Raphael] Varane," he continued. "I believe you require a new right-back. Scott] McTominay isn't good enough in my opinion, but he's one of your own. Building-wise? Nope. You're allowed to keep [Jadon] Sancho. Ronaldo must leave the field. Cavani has to leave. [Anthony] Martial must leave. If the incoming manager likes [Marcus] Rashford, there's something there. You keep him because he's young if he can get the best out of him."
It reflects the present public impression of United's lack of quality, which includes not only club legends but also outsiders. United has spent £400 million over the last three seasons with no return on their investment.As things stand, United is also in risk of losing out to Arsenal for a top-four finish, which would be disastrous for their chances of attracting world-class talent to Old Trafford.
Ralf Rangnick: The interim manager failed to win a trophy with Manchester United.
Ralf Rangnick: The interim manager failed to win a trophy with Manchester United. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Manchester United FC)
While the club can rely on its reputation and financial strength to recruit today's and tomorrow's stars, players like Erling Haaland will go for a team that can promise championships and Champions League football.
The club has identified a group of players that would be sought after by any of Europe's top clubs, including star midfielders Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. Instead, they may have to settle for buying players like Christopher Nkunku and Ryan Gravenberch, who may fit their future manager — whether it's Erik ten Hag or Mauricio Pochettino — but aren't guaranteed rapid success.
The club has spent hundreds of millions of dollars attempting to discover the proper recipe to return to its glory days, but has yet to succeed. Many United supporters would point the finger to former executive vice chairman Ed Woodward. But, with Woodward out of the picture and their drought without a trophy becoming longer, there can be no space for error this summer.
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