Manchester United fans are still reeling from a season that will go down as the worst in Premier League history for the club.
The Red Devils endured a miserable domestic campaign, finishing 15th in the table and collecting a dismal 42 points from 38 matches.
That disappointment was compounded by a crushing Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, ending hopes of a trophy and confirming the absence of European football next term.
Ruben Amorim now faces a pivotal summer in charge, navigating the transfer market with limited appeal to attract top-level players due to their non-existent continental commitments.
Signings such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego Leon have offered promise, but plenty more business – and exits – must follow before August.
Despite all this, Manchester United’s hierarchy have made their expectations for next season crystal clear.
According to the Manchester Evening News, club chiefs have reportedly set Amorim a target of finishing in the Premier League’s top six next season – a challenge that would secure a return to European football.
The Manchester Evening News claims senior figures are demanding a huge step up from last term’s 15th-place finish, which was the club’s worst in the Premier League era.
Aston Villa clinched sixth last season with 66 points – a staggering 24 more than United managed – meaning Amorim’s squad must deliver nearly double the wins they achieved in the last campaign.
Without the burden of midweek European fixtures, the coaching staff are hopeful of maintaining better consistency and squad fitness over the course of the season.
United’s rebuild includes a significant overhaul up front, with Cunha and Mbeumo expected to play key roles in Amorim’s fluid 3-4-3 formation.
However, incomings must be balanced by outgoings, and the club still needs to finalise the futures of several fringe players.
Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona is already sealed, but Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Antony are yet to secure exits.
Garnacho, in particular, appears to have no way back under Ruben Amorim after showing support for Rashford’s move and criticising the manager’s team selection after the Europa League final.
The Argentine winger reportedly favours a move within England, with Chelsea showing interest, though no deal has yet materialised.
Amorim’s road to redemption now depends not just on who arrives, but on meeting the club’s clear benchmark: a top-six finish.
