Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has suggested that he is taking the positives from the club missing out on Champions League football.
Having produced their worst-ever Premier League campaign, it has long been known that United would need to win silverware to keep European football on their calendar for 2025-26.
Defeat in last week's Europa League final meant that the Red Devils would not be competing on the continent next season, something that will also drastically reduce the transfer funds available to the Portuguese.
Reports maintain that Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha is on the brink of completing a move from Molineux to Old Trafford.
There is also optimism over Liam Delap eventually arriving from Ipswich Town, yet it is clear that United must also contend with plenty of limitations.
© Imago
Amorim speaks on transfer plans
United have just arrived in Asia ahead of a post-season tour, leaving to Amorim facing the media ahead of a friendly with ASEAN All-Stars on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters, Amorim acknowledged that United "can't change much", but indicated that he would be able to have 'greater control' over how he manages his squad.
He said: "We always prepare two plans. With and without the Champions League. Without the Champions League, we also don't need a big squad.
"We can control the squad in a better way. Then we have a plan, that is to bring in some new players, but our big plan is to improve the team we have, to improve the academy.
"It was the past, so it can be the future. It can't change much because of Financial Fair Play, we are not allowed to do much, even with the Champions League, so we are prepared.
"It's important to stick together. We are going to struggle, it's not going to be everything right away, but I can see the team improving and that's the most important thing."
© Imago
A long summer ahead?
Although United are being proactive in their pursuits of Cunha and Delap, their acquisitions would take up £92.5m of their alleged £100m budget.
As such, it is clear that a range of sales must be made with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford both available for transfer.
On the flip side, any clubs interested in United's players are aware of their need to raise funds and have room to negotiate deals in their favour.
Therefore, patience will be needed in terms of both incomings and outgoings with the majority of United's squad realistically available for the right price.
Darren Plant
