Manchester United’s summer of change has already begun as their Premier League season came to a close.
The Red Devils rallied following their UEFA Europa League final defeat to Tottenham on May 21 which denied Ruben Amorim’s team a final trophy chance and a last-gasp shot at European qualification.
However, two second-half goals saw the Red Devils clinch a controversial 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the season finale, on a subdued afternoon at Old Trafford.
Victory blocked Villa from sealing a spot in next season’s Champions League – with Morgan Rogers’ disallowed goal the main talking point at full-time – as Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen sealed three points for United.
A final day win did little to distract from a dreadful campaign as the Red Devils end the EPL season in 15th position – their lowest-ever ranking in the competition.
Amorim delivered pre-planned apology to the home fans after the game as he detailed how he plans to turn the situation around in the months ahead.
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Alongside a clear statement of frustration, Amorim called on the United fans to rally behind his team, with a simple message of what they do next defining his tenure.
“Now, we have to make a choice. We can stay in the past. But this season is in the past – it’s over. We [can] fight each other, or we stick together and move forward.”
No European football will significantly impact Amorim’s transfer budget for 2025/26 and the club are planning widespread cost-cutting measures including instant player exits.
Who is leaving Man United?
Loan trio Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony are already on Amorim’s hit list with the Portuguese coach happy to call time on their careers at Old Trafford if exit packages can be agreed.
However, three departures have already been confirmed, with Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Eriksen all leaving as free agents, when their contracts expire in June.
All three players will remove a major salary burden from the club with Lindelof moving on after 284 appearances in Manchester since 2017.
The Sweden international won the FA Cup and EFL Cup – with Eriksen winning the former – and the Danish star was handed a penalty to score his final United goal against Villa.
Evans leaves after his second spell at the club – after rejoining as a free agent in 2023 – and the Northern Ireland international is expected to retire this summer.
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