What lies ahead for Manchester United after the Europa League final loss and a woeful Premier League campaign?

Following a deeply discouraging domestic season, the Europa League final represented a beacon of hope for Manchester United a chance to salvage a grim year with a moment of triumph.

Yet, Wednesday’s defeat in Bilbao against fellow Premier League struggler Tottenham Hotspur has left fans and pundits alike pondering the club’s future, particularly the fate of manager Ruben Amorim.

The midweek loss marks the culmination of a historically dire season for United, who will miss out on next year’s Champions League and the significant financial boost it brings.

Amorim, appointed in November after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, has presided over the team’s alarming descent down the Premier League standings. The Red Devils currently languish in 16th place, far from European qualification, and have endured a club-record 18 losses this season the most since the Premier League’s inception in 1992. Worse still, United are on track for their lowest-ever Premier League finish. What place in the league will the team take? Bet on football with us.

The Europa League final offered both United and Spurs an opportunity to redeem a lackluster campaign with silverware and a berth in Europe’s premier club competition. However, the defeat has sharply highlighted the extensive rebuilding required in the offseason.

Despite his brief tenure, Amorim faced probing questions about his future at the club post-match in Spain, leaving open the possibility of departure if the board deems him unsuitable.

“I have little to offer the supporters right now,” the Portuguese tactician told the press. “At this juncture, it’s about trust. We’ll see what happens. I remain open-minded. If the board and fans believe I’m not the right fit, I’ll leave the next day, no questions asked about compensation.

“But I won’t walk away. I’m confident in my abilities, and as you can see, I won’t alter my approach.”

While Amorim’s future remains uncertain, he appears to retain the backing of United’s squad, with two senior players publicly endorsing him.

Left-back Luke Shaw declared Amorim “absolutely the right choice” for the managerial role, a sentiment echoed by star midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

“What transpired this season doesn’t fully reflect his capabilities as a manager,” Fernandes told TNT Sports. “Results often speak loudest, but I firmly believe he’s the right leader for this club’s future.”

What’s next after a season to forget?

The atmosphere was understandably subdued among United’s players and staff after Wednesday’s defeat, as their final opportunity to extract something positive from a disheartening campaign slipped away.

Several key players reflected on the subpar season, with England international Shaw issuing an apology for the team’s performances.

“It’s difficult to articulate this season’s shortcomings, but for a club of Manchester United’s stature, it’s simply unacceptable,” Shaw told reporters. “All of us, myself included, must look inward tonight. Are we truly worthy of representing this club? This season’s showing is not good enough.

“We recognize that, and it’s on us to change. We need to take a hard look at ourselves.”

Significant changes are likely on the horizon this summer, particularly regarding the squad. Some players, such as Victor Lindelöf and Christian Eriksen, are nearing the end of their contracts, while others have been linked with potential transfers.

Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho, who voiced frustration after the final, has been mentioned in transfer rumors, and his comments may fuel further speculation. “It’s tough for everyone,” he said. “Our season was dreadful. We barely won in the league. We were missing so much.

“I played every round until the final, but today I got just 20 minutes I don’t understand. I’ll try to enjoy the summer and see what the future holds.”

Likewise, 20-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly drawn interest from rival clubs and could depart. Even club captain Fernandes has been linked with a move, with Saudi Arabian clubs reportedly circling.

Fernandes has been a standout performer for United in recent years despite the team’s struggles, but he acknowledged the possibility of a summer exit if the board opts to capitalize on his value.

“I’ve always said I’ll stay as long as the club wants me,” the 30-year-old told The Athletic. “I’m eager to achieve more and restore this club to its glory days. But if the club feels I’m no longer needed or decides it’s time to move on whether for financial reasons or otherwise that’s the nature of football.

“I stand by my word. If the club believes it’s time to part ways, that’s how it goes.”

A shadow looms over Manchester United as they approach their final match of the season against Aston Villa at home on Sunday, an occasion likely to be steeped in gloom. Considerable effort will be required for the Red Devils to reclaim the heights of their storied past.