Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has expressed skepticism over Manchester United’s chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League for the 2025–26 season. Speaking on DA4P’s YouTube channel, Solanke provided his predictions for the teams likely to qualify for the Champions League spots.

Solanke confidently included Tottenham first in his top-four forecast, followed by Liverpool and Manchester City. When questioned about Manchester United’s potential to challenge for a Champions League position next term, Solanke simply replied, “nah,” instead opting to include Arsenal as a contender.

This blunt verdict reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the Red Devils, who endured a difficult previous season. While Solanke’s confidence in Tottenham’s qualification might raise some eyebrows—given their 17th-place finish last season—his assessment of Manchester United aligns with widespread doubts about their immediate recovery under Ruben Amorim’s management.

Solanke’s straightforward response underlines the challenges ahead for Manchester United, suggesting the club faces another challenging campaign outside Europe’s elite competition.

Matheus Cunha, the latest Manchester United signing, has openly welcomed the pressure accompanying his high-profile transfer to Old Trafford. The Brazilian international recognizes the intense scrutiny the club attracts and views it as an opportunity rather than a burden.

Cunha expressed, “I really think the pressure on this club is not really pressure. It’s a privilege because this is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

His decision to join United was motivated by the project’s appeal and the chance to be part of something significant. “When Ruben came to me and showed me the project, I felt like it’s a challenge I want to do for my career. United is a club I needed to be at, and like I say it’s a big privilege.”

The forward also highlighted United as his dream destination, having turned down multiple offers this summer to commit to the club. “It’s my dream club. This is what the question is, you know. It’s my dream club. When I had the first meeting with Ruben, I feel like they started to build something very important. And of course, I want to be part of this.”

Meanwhile, United has strengthened its roster further with the acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo. On the outgoing front, Marcus Rashford recently moved on loan to Barcelona. Other players like Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia remain available for transfer, though manager Ruben Amorim has indicated a willingness to retain them if suitable offers are not received.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has firmly stated that the club will not be rushed into selling key players from their so-called ‘bomb squad’ at reduced prices during the final five weeks of the transfer window. The futures of Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia remain unsettled as none feature in Amorim’s plans or the preseason tour in the United States. These players have been asked to stay away from first-team training sessions during the day.

Amorim warned interested clubs that delaying bids could backfire. “Jason [Wilcox], Omar Berrada and the club have a number for these players,” he said in New Jersey ahead of the club’s friendly against West Ham United. “If they don’t reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that. Some players have to find a new place so we have more space in the team and other players clearly show they want a new challenge and want new teams. We are just allowing these players to have time to think and to decide. I understand the [buying] clubs are waiting for the last minute but they can have a surprise. I’m ready to receive the players.”

Attempts to move Sancho, valued at £25 million ($33.6 million), have stalled, notably with Juventus pausing their interest as they need to offload players after signing Francisco Conceiçao. Antony’s potential return to Real Betis is unlikely due to financial constraints, and despite rumors, Bayer Leverkusen has been distanced from pursuit by former United manager Erik ten Hag. Two unnamed Saudi Pro League clubs currently represent his best options, though the winger prefers to remain in Europe if possible.

Should no suitable offers materialize, Amorim suggests these players will stay and be reintegrated into the squad. This signals a clear message that Manchester United will neither be hurried into unfavorable deals nor leave valuable squad members in limbo.