'We're not allowed to do much' - Ruben Amorim gives bleak Man Utd transfer outlook as head coach insists Red Devils 'don't need a big squad' after Champions League failure

Amorim admits that United will struggle to add multiple players to their squad this summer, having failed to qualify for the Champions League after losing the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham. Now, the Portuguese has warned fans not to expect major investment, as he plans to operate with a smaller squad than usual.

Amorim oversaw a 15th-placed finish in the Premier League, although United have already begun recruitment for the 2025-26 campaign. A deal has been agreed to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, but exits may now take centre stage. The club is fighting to keep Bruno Fernandes amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Amorim told reporters in Malaysia: “Omar [Berrada, United CEO] is here, he can explain it better than I can. We always prepare two plans, one with the Champions League, one without the Champions League.

"Without the Champions League, we don’t need a big squad, we can control the squad in a better way, then we have a plan which is to bring in some new players, of course, but our big plan is to improve the squad we have, to improve our academy, that’s the future, we’re not allowed to do much this summer.

"It’s important to stay together. We’re going to have difficulties, it’s not going to be everything straight away, but I see the team improving and that’s the most important thing,”

United, bizarrely, are playing in a friendly on Wednesday against ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia, before travelling to Hong Kong to play their national team on Friday.