Man United need to secure Champions League qualification for next season to make them more attractive in the transfer window.Alan Shearer.Alan Shearer understands the importance of the Europa League final to Manchester United.

Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer believes any player would be “brave” to join Manchester United this summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League for next season.

Despite sitting 16th in the Premier League table with just two games to go, United have a backdoor route into Europe’s premier club competition for next term via the Europa League final.

The Reds face Tottenham Hotspur in the final in Bilbao next Wednesday, with much more than just a trophy up for grabs for both clubs.

The speed of United’s anticipated rebuild under head coach Ruben Amorim could be dictated by whether or not the club has Champions League football to offer prospective signings this summer.

Failure to win the Europa League final will see United go without European football next season for the first time since 2014/15.

And in the opinion of Match of the Day pundit Shearer, that could have a damaging impact on United’s preparations for the 2025/26 campaign.

“They have to win the Europa League and I know that Ruben Amorim will have one or two contacts for the transfer market this summer,” Shearer told Betfair.

“He coached Viktor Gyokeres, who will be chased in the summer by several clubs. It would be a brave move for him, or any other player, to go to Old Trafford if they’re not in the Champions League.

“They’re a million miles off challenging for the Premier League, so that isn’t going to happen next season. That’s why it’s so important – they’re a very different proposition if they do get into the Champions League, because that will be able to attract players.

“As a fan, you would worry about next season if they’re not in the Champions League.”

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