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Bilbao or bust.
That was the mantra this week as Manchester United prepared for a season-defining Europa League final against Premier League rival Tottenham Hotspur at the Estadio de San Mames to salvage success in an otherwise dismal season for the club.
But it turns it was bust for the Red Devils, despite reaching Bilbao.
An abject 1-0 defeat by Ange Postecoglou’s side, in which both sides were utterly woeful and neither deserved to lift the trophy, leaves United with nothing more than their worst Premier League season in history. Any prospect of European football next season died as the referee blew the final whistle.
The pressure on Ruben Amorim has grown since his arrival from Sporting CP in November to replace Erik ten Hag. After yesterday, it has reached fever pitch with swathes of the club’s fanbase turning on the Portuguese coach.
Yet sources indicate INEOS remain steadfast in their backing of Amorim and are prepared to back him this summer. But the financial pressure at Old Trafford means the club’s ownership are willing to listen to offers for every player, including captain Bruno Fernandes.
Dale McDonnell (Daily Mirror) reveals United are facing a “catastrophic financial black hole” without competing in Europe next year – only the second time this has happened in the last 35 years.
As a result, the report contends, the club will “listen to offers for every player” and that no one is “immune from being sold – including captain Bruno Fernandes”.
Previously, four players – Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Amad, and Leny Yoro – were believed to be considered “untouchable” such was their importance to Amorim.
But with “United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox [set to] oversee the major squad overhaul this summer” no player will be safe from INEOS’ scythe if a suitable offer arrives.
Fernandes has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, despite previous reports suggesting United would not entertain any offers. However, the 30-year-old midfielder cut a despondent figure in a post-match interview last night, suggesting he could depart the club if the executive branch decided it’s time to him on.
McDonnell concludes that the captain, along with players like Andre Onana, Casemiro, Luke Shaw, and Rasmus Hojlund will all be “available to the highest bidders,” creating a potential rift at Old Trafford after Amorim publicly stated United “need” players like Fernandes earlier this month.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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