Disclaimer: I am a long suffering Arsenal fan since 1989 (and yes I am old)

Allow me to chip in nonetheless... so here goes (sedikit panjang... maaf ya).

The Europa League final loss to Tottenham was indeed a significant blow for Manchester United, especially as it confirms their absence from European football next season. For a club with one of the highest wage bills in the world and substantial operational costs, missing out on European competitions means losing out on vital revenue streams. This includes prize money, broadcasting income, matchday earnings, and commercial incentives tied to continental success. The lack of European football can cost upwards of £50–70 million, which will further strain a club already walking a financial tightrope. For a brand as large as Manchester United, this reduced visibility also risks diminishing commercial appeal and negotiating power in future sponsorships and partnerships.

Despite growing frustrations from some sections of the fanbase, sacking manager Ruben Amorim is currently not a financially viable option. The cost of terminating his contract and hiring a new elite-level manager would likely run into tens of millions funds United simply do not have at the moment. Moreover, Amorim is still in the early phase of implementing his philosophy and needs time to mold the team into his tactical vision. Stability, often overlooked in modern football, may be United’s most valuable currency during this turbulent period. Amorim’s track record of developing players and installing a clear system at Sporting CP could pay dividends if given time and support.

In terms of the squad, Manchester United face a monumental challenge in the transfer market. The club needs to sell players before it can buy (and this has become harder due to no european football), yet offloading underperforming or ageing stars on inflated wages is easier said than done. Casemiro, for instance, is on a lucrative contract with declining performances, making him unattractive to most clubs. Mason Mount, despite his potential, has had a dismal start at United and is also on high wages and a long contract, limiting options for a quick sale. This bloated and unbalanced squad needs a major refresh, but the process of trimming the fat is slow and complex in the modern football economy.

Further complicating matters is the Premier League’s PSR. With drastically reduced revenue due to missing out on Europe, United must tread carefully to avoid breaching PSR thresholds, which could result in points deductions or transfer restrictions. Even clubs with more stable finances have fallen afoul of these regulations. United’s ability to invest in players, improve facilities, and even maintain wage competitiveness will be significantly hindered unless they strike the right balance of sales, youth promotion, and financial prudence.

In summary, Manchester United are staring down a reality that could see them struggling for several seasons. The decline is not just about poor results on the pitch, but stems from years of mismanagement, bloated contracts, ineffective recruitment, and financial recklessness. The club needs a comprehensive rebuild not just the squad, but infrastructure like the ageing Old Trafford, training facilities, and even the backroom structure. The gap between United and truly elite clubs like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich feels wider than ever.

However, even in this moment of crisis, there is a path forward. Clubs like Liverpool and my beloved Arsenal have shown that with a clear vision, smart recruitment, and long-term patience, it is possible to rise again. United still possess a massive global fanbase especially in Malaysia, commercial strength, and academy talent. If the right foundations are laid now, trusting Amorim, offloading smartly, focusing on youth and data-driven decisions... a renaissance is not impossible. It won’t be quick or glamorous, but it can be meaningful.

Sometimes, the darkest valleys lead to the brightest peaks!