Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United struggled last season

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United were the Premier League's shock underperformers in 2024-25, and both clubs endured their worst ever campaigns.

Two of the so-called big six languishing in the bottom half is not a typical sight in the English top flight, and it could be argued that they were fortunate that all three of the promoted teams were relegated as it alleviated some of the pressure that being in an actual fight for survival would have brought.

However, both sides have made significant changes in preparation for next season, hoping to get back to their usual ambitions of qualifying for Europe and competing for silverware.

For instance, Spurs brought in a new manager and have made some high-quality additions in the transfer market, while the Red Devils have signed an entirely new front three.

Here, Sports Mole looks at Tottenham and Manchester United's struggles last term, and considers three things that can help them make Europe this season.

The managers: Can Thomas Frank and Ruben Amorim make things different for Tottenham and Manchester United in 2025-26?

Ange Postecoglou may have ended Spurs' 17-year trophy drought, but the fact that he finished 17th in the Premier League was too difficult for the club's hierarchy to overlook.

The Australian manager was often seen as excessively rigid in his tactical approach, and he unerringly stuck to his philosophy even when it was being exploited by opponents on a regular basis.Â

In stark contrast, when the Londoners brought in Thomas Frank from Brentford to replace Postecoglou, it was mentioned that the Danish head-coach's flexibility was one of the factors that saw him chosen for the role.

With the Bees, Frank would generally deploy a ball-oriented playstyle that allowed creative stars such as Mikkel Damsgaard to shine, but when faced with an opponent that outmatched them in terms of personnel, his team opted for a pragmatic, defence-first approach that created chances through counterattacks.

If the new manager can implement his malleable model at Spurs, then they could pose a serious threat to those in the top six this term.

As for Manchester United, Ruben Amorim took over from Erik Ten Hag in November 2024, and though the side continued to struggle after his arrival, fans could point to extenuating circumstances.

Most notably, the former Sporting Lisbon boss joined the club part way through the campaign, and given his three-at-the-back formation is atypical and alien to many members of the Red Devils' squad, it makes sense that it could take some time for everything to run smoothly.

However, with a full pre-season under their belt, some of those that were asked to play in unfamiliar roles such as Amad Diallo may perform more in line with supporters' expectations.

The transfers: Can Tottenham and Manchester United's new signings bring them European football in 2025-26?

Beyond any improvements on the training ground, it would be fair to say that this summer's transfer window has been one of the most active in Premier League history.

Spurs have also been involved, landing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for approximately £55m as well as making Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent signings.

Kudus is widely regarded as one of the best dribblers in the division, and though his output in terms of goals and assists was inconsistent during his time with the Hammers, his one-versus-one threat and direct style is sure to be a major asset for Tottenham.

Frank's side have also been linked with more attacking players, especially since James Maddison's anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season that is expected to keep him out of action in the long-term.

A small number of high-calibre additions could make a significant difference for the Londoners, who already have one of the league's best creators and one of the league's best strikers in Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke respectively.

Manchester United on the other hand have brought in an entirely new frontline this summer, and fans will be treated to a new-look XI in 2025-26.

Matheus Cunha was one of the standout forwards in the top flight last season, and he almost single-handedly kept Wolverhampton Wanderers away from the drop zone with the 15 goals and six assists he provided across his 33 league appearances.

Amorim's second big-money forward signing was Bryan Mbeumo, and the Cameroon international scored an impressive 20 goals in the Premier League last term, as well as creating seven for his teammates.

Third was Benjamin Sesko, and though the striker only netted 13 goals in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig in 2024-25, he is just 22-year-old and has obvious potential with the combination of his technical style with physicality.

Individually, each of United's frontline signings would play for most of the teams in the top six, and together, they could address the club's offensive bluntness - one of the most common complaints that fans and pundits have.

Carlos Baleba is also of interest to the Red Devils, and while he could cost more than £100m, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder would be an excellent fit for Amorim's two-man setup in the centre of the park, where the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes may struggle to cover the necessary ground.

The uncertainty: Can Tottenham and Manchester United take advantage of Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest to make Europe?

With Spurs and United dropping out of the race for Europe last season, a number of teams were vying for the division's top seven, and it was Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest that made the cut outside of the top four.

If the traditional big six duo are to regain their spots in UEFA competition, then they could benefit from the uncertainty surrounding the Magpies and the Garibaldis in particular.

Eddie Howe's side seem to have been rejected by the majority of their publicly pursued targets, and their inability sign a striker has delayed Alexander Isak's potential move to Liverpool.

Their strife in the market has also caused a rift and created an unnecessary distraction amidst Newcastle's preparations for a return to Premier League action, but should they lose their star striker, then they are unlikely to be the force that they were in 2024-25.

Tottenham and United could make the most of the League Cup winners' troubles in their quest for European football, as they seem to be unprepared for playing in an additional competition as well as competing for UEFA qualification via the top flight.

As for Forest, they managed to keep hold of Morgan Gibbs-White - for this summer at least - and he is certain to be their key player once again this term.

That being said, the Tricky Trees did lose Anthony Elanga to the Magpies, and it remains to be seen if Nuno Espirito Santo's side can get the same level of output from his replacement, Dan Ndoye.

Spurs and United will also be aware that Forest ran out of steam towards the end of the season, and they will feel that they have a prime opportunity to climb back into the top six immediately.