7 Reasons Why Manchester United Still Attract Big Players Despite a 15th-Place PL Finish and No European Football

Despite a disastrous 2024/25 season, finishing 15th in the Premier League and missing out on European competition entirely, Manchester United has still managed to sign top-quality players like Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and may still strike other surprise signings before the end of the summer transfer window.

This fact leaves many fans and analysts asking: Why would players of that calibre still choose United?

Here’s why:

1. The Global Power of the Manchester United Brand

Manchester United remains one of the most recognised sports brands in the world, with over a billion fans across all continents. Signing for United brings global visibility, which can boost a player's marketability, social media following and sponsorship deals.

Even in bad seasons, a United player is watched more, talked about more and promoted more than players at most other clubs.

2. Historic Prestige and Legacy

With 20 English league titles, 3 Champions League trophies and legends like George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo etc, the club’s legacy remains magnetic.

Many players have grown up dreaming of wearing the red shirt because it’s a club with a winning past. For player like Mbeumo and Cunha, wearing the United badge still means something, you are joining a legacy, not just a team.

3. Financial Power and Player Packages

United still offers competitive wages and bonuses that most clubs can’t match, even without Champions League football. Signing bonuses, image rights and commercial incentives often make the total package very attractive.

4. The Old Trafford Factor

Playing at the iconic Old Trafford remains a dream for many players. There’s also a unique appeal in helping “bring back Manchester United.”

For ambitious players, the chance to be remembered as one of the players who helped restore the club’s glory is a powerful motivator. They get the chance to be central figures in the team’s resurgence and write their own chapter in the club’s revival story.

5. Guaranteed Playing Time and Bigger Roles

Playing for United still carries prestige, it can be a career-defining move. With the club rebuilding, new signings like Mbeumo and Cunha know they are coming in to be key players, not squad fillers.

This is more appealing than joining a Champions League club where they might be on the bench.

6. Backroom Promises and Long-Term Vision

Behind the scenes, United’s new football leadership has likely sold players a vision, a rebuild plan, future signings, potential managerial changes and better direction. Players and agents are convinced by what’s coming, not just what’s happening.

7. Agent Influence and Career Strategy

Even in poor seasons, agents push for United deals because of the player visibility and resale value. Agents know that putting their player at Manchester United, even during a bad patch, raises the player’s value and future transfer potential. United players are always in the spotlight, it’s a career launchpad.

What Mbeumo and Cunha’s Moves Really Show:

Their signings prove that:

- United’s name still carries enormous weight, no matter where they finish.

- Players believe in the long game, that United will bounce back and they want to be part of that story.

- Even in failure, United offers a stage, a spotlight and a legacy opportunity that most clubs can’t.