Manchester United were less than seven minutes away from disaster. Seven minutes away from essentially the end to the campaign. Then Old Trafford worked its magic…
The euphoria of Thursday’s gripping 5-4 win over Lyon has still not dissipated, with the debate raging over just where that special night ranks among the litany of magic moments in United’s European history.
Yes, it may not have been a titanic Champions League tussle with a Barcelona or a Real Madrid, yet for those chaotic, final exchanges, it certainly felt like it. Even at their lowest ebb, this United side can still conjure up memories to last a lifetime.
What this result must represent, however, is the start of something, a turning point in the Ruben Amorim regime – for the Red Devils not to go on to lift the Europa League trophy now would be a real tragedy.
Not only would success in the competition mark a fitting way to plaster over the cracks of a dismal domestic season, but it would also bring with it the potential riches that the Champions League can offer.
The difference between securing qualification or not could play a crucial role in the club’s summer transfer business…
Latest on Man Utd's transfer search
Regardless of how this season finishes up for United, the Old Trafford hierarchy are likely to already be plotting just how they can improve the squad next season, with recent reports outlining their apparent interest in Bournemouth star, Antoine Semenyo.
Indeed, Sky Sports have revealed that United are deemed to be leading the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, albeit with there set to be intense competition from almost every top-six Premier League club – excluding Arsenal.
The former Bristol City man – who is said to be valued at around £70m by the Cherries – isn’t the only talent within the top-flight that Amorim is believed to be chasing, with ESPN’s Mark Ogden reporting that the Red Devils are keen on Southampton starlet, Tyler Dibling.
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According to Ogden, INEOS will step up their interest in the 19-year-old sensation this summer, provided that Amorim’s men are successful in their pursuit of Europa League glory.
As per the piece, the England youth international has reportedly been valued at around £100m by the Saints in an attempt to ward off interest, albeit with that said to be an ‘unlikely valuation’ considering their relegated status.
Turning to a player who has been part of a grim campaign at St Mary’s may appear a bizarre move, although all the signs point to Dibling proving a real superstar in the years to come.
Why Man Utd could be targeting their own Cole Palmer
It was recently revealed by United youth coach Colin Little – speaking to The Athletic – that the Red Devils had actually come close to sign boyhood fan, Cole Palmer, as a 16-year-old, albeit with the young playmaker ultimately staying put at rivals Manchester City, prior to his £40m switch to Chelsea in 2023.
Arguably the “best player in the Premier League”, prior to his recent wobble in 2025 – in the words of pundit Jamie Carragher – United will be kicking themselves at having missed the boat on such a talismanic talent.
While Dibling is far from the levels of a player who boasts 63 goals and assists in just 83 games at Stamford Bridge, he has actually been described as “like Cole Palmer” by one-time United man, Dion Dublin, due to the way he plays “free and easy”.
Non-penalty goals
0.11
0.37
Assists
0.00
0.27
Shot-creating actions
2.92
5.94
Pass completion
80.8%
76.6%
Progressive passes
3.19
6.24
Progressive carries
3.51
3.26
Successful take-ons
2.32
1.46
Progressive passes received
4.64
5.40
Touches in opposition box
2.11
4.14
Like his fellow left-footer, the Southampton sensation has that almost kid-in-a-playground quality to him, with such natural brilliance having seen former boss Russell Martin describe the teenager as “the most talented player I’ve ever seen”.
Capable of playing off the right flank, in an attacking midfield role or even as a number eight – much in a similar mould to Palmer – the silky talent memorably dazzled on his first Premier League start against United back in September, having earned a penalty for his side after being hauled down by a desperate Diogo Dalot.
Such a performance – which also saw Dibling sting the palms of Andre Onana with a fierce effort in the first-half – may well have made the Manchester side sit up and take notice, albeit with technical director Jason Wilcox seemingly fully aware of his talents, having handed the youngster his first professional contract during his previous role at Southampton.
With four goals and three assists to his name in all competitions this season, Dibling hasn’t exactly set the world alight, albeit while no doubt hampered by the fact that he is part of currently the joint-worst Premier League team ever.
Semenyo, meanwhile, has 16 goal involvements in 2024/25 thus far, albeit with the Palmer-like quality of his fellow forward ensuring it is Dibling who could represent the bigger talent.
If United are planning to build for the future under Amorim, making the 19-year-old the centrepiece of that project could certainly be an exciting move.
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