Manchester United have faced an arduous journey in the 2021/22 season, and it's unfathomable to think they're in the position they're in at the moment.
Ralf Rangnick's team is currently 24 points off leaders Manchester City, which would have been deemed a disgrace at the start of the campaign.
Currently, United are seventh, five points off fourth with two games in hand over West Ham. But on current form, it could be challenging to sneak their way into what should be the minimum requirement, to finish in the top four.
If Rangnick fails to get United into a Champions League spot, then it feels like the club will be back to square one when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over permanently.
In 2019/20, United signed no players from clubs in the Champions League, instead, looking at individuals ready to step up their careers.
With the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan rice and Erling Haaland being linked with the move to Old Trafford, it's doubtful they will come to the red half of Manchester if United aren't in the Champions League.
It begs the question: Who could United sign if they missed out on the Champions League? So, this got us thinking, and our United On My Mind Writer, Omar Garrick, has listed three players Manchester United could sign if they miss out on the competition.
1. Dusan Vlahovic
Currently attracting interest from Arsenal, Dusan Vlahovic has taken Europe by storm after scoring countless goals for Fiorentina this season.
Vlahovic, 21, Is now being branded as an elite-level striker after scoring 17 goals in 21 Serie A games for his club this season.
Seeing as Haaland wants to go to a Champions League club, he won't join United if they fail to qualify for Europe. That means Rangnick or the next permanent manager will have to look at a pool of strikers below Haaland, and Vlahovic is the best out of the bunch.
Although there will be interest from a host of different clubs, United could persuade the Serbian international to join them by making him the star man of a fresh rebuild.
2. John McGinn
At 27 years of age, McGinn is in the prime of his career, and he's been sensational for Aston Villa this season.
Playing as a number eight, McGinn has both offensive and defensive qualities that would automatically improve United's midfield. Supporters have been crying out for a new midfielder, and with Paul Pogba looking increasingly likely to leave the club, a replacement will be needed.
Jude Bellingham and Declan rice have been linked with moves to Old Trafford, but I don't think they'll want to come, especially if they have offers from other European clubs.
McGinn ticks many boxes regarding what United would need for a Pogba replacement, and he'd be an excellent bridge between defence and attack.
Whether a move happens remains to be seen, but he's undoubtedly a good option for United to go for if they fail to qualify for Europe's elite competition.
3. Tariq Lamptey
21-year-old Tariq Lamptey has been a star for Graham Potter and has attracted interest from various clubs, including United.
Lamptey shined in Brighton's 1-1 draw against Chelsea, offering an attacking threat down the right-hand channel, which caused all sorts of problems for Thomas Tuchel's three-at-the-back system.
He joined Brighton in 2020 from Chelsea, where he made three first-team appearances but decided to move to the south coast for some regular playing time.
Since then, he's become a massive favourite in the Albion faithful for his performances last season and was name-checked by Gareth Southgate after impressing for England's under-21s.
A transfer for Lamptey could happen even if United finished in a Champions League spot, but if they don't, I still think this move could be viable. He'll want to make a step-up, and with a vacancy potentially available, he'd get the game time he needs at Old Trafford.
Follow our United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
