Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that the club will operate with a smaller squad for the 2025/26 season, citing the absence of Champions League football as a key factor in this decision.

Speaking at the start of United's preseason tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong, Amorim explained that while the club plans to invest in new players during the summer transfer window, they will focus on quality over quantity.

"We always prepare two plans," Amorim stated. "With and without the Champions League. Without the Champions League, we also don't need a big squad. We can control the squad in a better way."

The Red Devils endured their worst-ever Premier League campaign in the 2024/25 season, finishing a disappointing 15th in the table after suffering 18 defeats. Their European hopes were completely dashed following a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final, meaning United will not participate in any European competition next season.

Amorim outlined the club's strategy moving forward: "Our plan is to bring in some new players, but our big plan is to improve the team we have, to improve the Academy. It was the past, so it can be the future."

The Portuguese manager also highlighted financial constraints affecting their transfer activities. "It can't change much because of Financial Fair Play, we are not allowed to do much, even with the Champions League, so we are prepared," he added.

This approach suggests a significant shift in United's squad management philosophy as they look to rebuild following a disappointing season. With fewer matches to contend with in the upcoming campaign, Amorim believes a streamlined squad will be more manageable and potentially more effective in domestic competitions.

Manchester United fans will now be watching closely as the summer transfer window unfolds to see how this new strategy is implemented and which players might be brought in to strengthen the squad despite the reduced numbers.