Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said on Tuesday that missing out on Champions League football could be a blessing in disguise in his attempts to rebuild the fallen giants.

The Portuguese coach addressed the media in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur fresh from United’s worst season since 1974, having come 15th in the Premier League.

They missed out on a Champions League lifeline — and with it a financial windfall — by losing to fellow strugglers Spurs 1-0 in the Europa League final last week.

With money tight to get the right players in over the summer for his favoured formation, Amorim faces a stiff task to get United back among the elite next season.

United hope friendlies in Malaysia and against Hong Kong on Friday will bring in some much-needed revenue, with the BBC reporting that the trip will generate about $10 million (£7.8m) for the club.

Midfielder Mason Mount insisted he was delighted to arrive in steamy Kuala Lumpur despite jetting off just hours after the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Fans gathered at Kuala Lumpur’s airport to welcome the team on Monday evening.

Highs of 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) are forecast in Kuala Lumpur this week and thunderstorms predicted on the day of the game at the 84,000-capacity Bukit Jalil national stadium.