Tottenham Hotspur are on the brink of relegation, and Manchester United are keeping tabs
Tottenham Hotspur sit 18th in the Premier League with five games remaining. The scale of their collapse has forced every top club in England to rethink their summer transfer plans. Manchester United, meanwhile, are in a strong position to finish in the top five. That return to the Champions League brings the financial backing to make moves for players who might suddenly be available; players that Spurs, facing life in the Championship, may have to sell well below their true market value. Three names stand out as realistic targets for Old Trafford.
Micky van de Ven:
The 25-year-old has world-class pace, making him one of the fastest defenders on the planet. His speed would let Manchester United play a much higher defensive line, something their current centre-backs struggle to do. That tactical shift alone makes Van de Ven incredibly valuable to United’s defence.
Under normal circumstances, Spurs would likely demand at least £100 million for him, but relegation changes the numbers completely. Reports suggest his head has already been turned, and while several clubs have reached out, United are firmly in the race. Former United striker Louis Saha backed the move, noting that Van de Ven “would be an exciting addition if he is available.” Given United’s defensive struggles lately, few signings would make more sense for the long term.
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Archie Gray:
The 20-year-old is being tracked by United, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund. Rival clubs expect him to cost around £55 million if Spurs go down, reflecting his massive potential and the “relegation discount” that usually applies to selling clubs. Gray won the Championship’s Young Player of the Year award at Leeds in 2023/24 before Spurs snapped him up for £40 million.
United’s interest in him goes back a long way. His ability to play in midfield or across the backline makes him a great fit for a team that needs tactical variety. While Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Liverpool are also interested, United have the prestige and the right project to convince him to choose Old Trafford over a move abroad.
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Lucas Bergvall:
Bergvall almost joined United previously after two separate trials at Carrington, the first when he was just 15. The 20-year-old has played 30 times this season, though only 14 of those came in his best position in central midfield, where he managed a goal and four assists. A more stable environment could be exactly what he needs to reach the next level.
Although his contract runs until 2031 and Spurs see him as a cornerstone of their future, relegation changes everything. With Casemiro expected to leave and questions remaining over Manuel Ugarte, United might need three new midfielders this summer. Because Bergvall already knows the Premier League, he is a much safer bet than bringing in someone from a foreign league.
Tottenham’s nightmare 2025/26 season has opened a door for clubs ready to make moves fast. Manchester United, heading back to the Champions League, are in the perfect spot to take advantage.
