Manchester United are expected to be busy during the summer transfer window, regardless of whether Ruben Amorim is able to lead the club to Europa League glory in Bilbao
Manchester United’s dismal league form continued on Sunday, but all eyes have already turned to Europe. A 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford made it seven winless games on the spin, but a Europa League final win would be some consolation.
United sit 16th after dropping behind Sunday’s opponents, but can still secure Champions League qualification of they beat Tottenham in Bilbao. Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are in a similar spot, also losing on Sunday to sit a point and a place behind the Red Devils.
Ruben Amorim was brutally honest after the latest defeat. “The final is not the biggest thing in our football club. We need to change a lot of things,” he told Match of the Day.
“If we don’t change the way we play and perform and feel this urgency of winning every game, we should not play in the Champions League. We should just stay in the Premier League and learn how to be competitive one week at a time.”
Whatever happens at San Mames, United are likely to need significant investment during the summer transfer window. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the latest transfer talk from around Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal shortlist Chelsea ace, Man Utd Rashford boost, Liverpool to hold talksREAD MORE: Ruben Amorim’s ill-advised Man Utd comments risk wrath of Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Semenyo jumps United queue
Antoine Semenyo has moved above Bryan Mbeumo in Manchester United’s search for a new forward, according to Sky Sports. Liverpool and Newcastle are also reportedly keen on both men, but no decision is expected until United’s Champions League fate has been decided.
A seat at Europe’s top table would make United a far more appealing proposition to any potential new arrival. Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap are among the others expected to have interest from teams in the Champions League regardless of whether United get there.
“I’ve said many times: we are a selling club. But at the same time we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world who aren’t selling clubs,” Brentford boss Thomas Frank told Sky Sports when asked about Mbeumo’s future.
“So, of course, if the right price – and that’s going to be expensive – is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open for it. But I’m very happy he’s here, and I’m convinced that Bryan will still be happy playing football here.”
Napoli looking to win David race
Jonathan David has long been linked with Manchester United, and is set to be available for free this summer when his Lille contract expires. However, with that date drawing ever closer, Napoli appear to have stolen a march.
According to reports on the continent, Napoli are in advanced talks over the Canadian international. There are still thought to be some elements to take care of, though, with the deal far from a sure thing.
David, 25, has scored 109 times in 231 Lille games since joining the French club in 2020. He has 25 this season, including Champions League strikes against the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool.
Dortmund rivaling United for Jobe Bellingham
Borussia Dortmund have joined the race for Jobe Bellingham, according to talkSPORT. The same publication notes that United have scouted the teenager, currently at Sunderland.
Bellingham’s elder brother Jude spent time at Dortmund before joining current club Real Madrid, and the younger sibling could make the same move to Germany. He has been a regular with Sunderland this season as Regis Le Bris’ side chase promotion to the Premier League.
Sunderland finished fourth in the Championship, setting up a play-off semi-final against Coventry City. The Black Cats won the first leg away from home and will welcome Frank Lampard’s side to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday.
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