Manchester United are facing one of their toughest transfer windows in recent history as they head into the summer without the lure of European football.
For the first time in many years, the Red Devils will not participate in any continental competition next season—neither the Champions League, Europa League, nor even the Conference League.
This marks a significant blow to the club’s reputation and makes the already challenging task of attracting top-tier talent even more difficult.
The 2023/24 campaign has been disappointing from nearly every perspective. Even if United had managed to win the Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao, it would’ve only slightly softened the blow of what has otherwise been a subpar season.
But having failed to do so, the pressure is now fully on the recruitment team to think outside the box and identify players who can improve the squad without needing the incentive of European football to join.
One such target is Swiss international Dan Ndoye, currently playing for Bologna in Italy’s Serie A.
According to reports from Tutto Sport, Manchester United are once again eyeing a move for the versatile 24-year-old, with a potential transfer fee of around £34 million being discussed. United had shown interest in Ndoye last year, but the deal didn’t materialise. Now, the club is hoping to finalise the move this summer amid competition from Juventus.
Ndoye has had an impressive season with Bologna, playing a total of 40 games across all competitions. He scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists, showcasing both consistency and a flair for the big occasion.
Most notably, he netted the winning goal in the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan, securing Bologna’s first trophy in over five decades. That moment alone elevated his status in Italy and brought him to the attention of several top clubs.
What makes Ndoye an attractive prospect for United is his versatility. While he primarily operates as a winger—capable of playing on both the left and right—he also has the tactical intelligence and physicality to play as a wing-back.
Under a manager like Ruben Amorim, who is known for his 3-4-2-1 system, Ndoye could fit into one of the two attacking midfield roles or potentially be moulded into a wing-back with the right guidance.
Although he’s not a household name outside Serie A, Ndoye represents the type of player United should now be targeting: young, hungry, tactically adaptable, and not prohibitively expensive. His high work rate, pressing ability, and positional flexibility could make him a valuable asset.
With Juventus also monitoring the situation, United must act decisively if they hope to secure his signature and begin reshaping their squad for a new era without European football.
