Manchester United will be back in the Champions League next season, but what areas do they still need to bolster to challenge for major honours?
After a troubling 2024-25 season, 2025-26 restored a semblance of optimism at Manchester United, especially after January saw Michael Carrick replace the much-maligned Ruben Amorim in the dugout.
Carrick led United to a third-place finish in the Premier League, with that only the fifth time they’ve come in the top three since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
But that can’t be the end game. United aspire to return to the glory days of Ferguson’s reign, and to reach the level of the teams actually winning titles, they must keep improving.
Recruitment played a considerable role in taking steps forward after 2024-25, and smart decisions in the transfer market will continue to be of fundamental importance.
So, what areas require attention? This is our Man Utd squad audit ahead of 2026-27.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Going into the summer, the defence was arguably the area of the United squad least in need of attention. They have plenty of options at centre-back and then numerous versatile players for the full-back slots.
But there is a growing sense that they could still use reinforcement at centre-back.
The issue is, the two central defenders who are arguably their first choice – Harry Maguire has rebuilt his reputation impressively but isn’t getting any younger; the jury is out on whether Luke Shaw was dependable last term and played all 38 of United’s Premier League games; if Harry Amass leaves on loan again, Noussair Mazraoui have also covered adequately on the left in the past. If either position could do with one more body, though, it would be left-back. United’s fixture schedule will be dramatically different this term, and although Shaw was remarkably resilient on the injury front in 2025-26, there’s no guarantee that will be the case in a much busier 2026-27.
In goal, United have already brought in Karl Darlow to act as deputy for Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Both were rather surprising purchases, but the former offers real potential and the latter has consistently been one of the Premier League’s best midfielders in recent years.
For a combined reported outlay of £85m, United have done well. But there’s more to do.
Before the summer, you could have made the case that United needed at least three new central midfielders. Their options there were already a bit thin with just Mason Mount, and Toby Collyer, who’ll probably go out on loan again. A temporary move may also benefit both Jack and Tyler Fletcher.
The type of central midfielder they appear to be missing is the athletic, ball-winning variety. Mainoo, Santos and Tielemans as a trio bring a lot to the table, particularly on the ball, but none are known for their athleticism, power or physicality.
Find a player who meets that requirement, and Carrick will likely go into the new season pleased with the club’s business regardless of bolstering other positions or not.
Attacking Midfield
If there’s one area of the United squad that is particularly well stocked, it would be attacking midfield and out wide.
They have a lot of quality with the likes of Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Dorgu showed promising signs of development last season before injury stopped him in his tracks.
Furthermore, Cunha and Mbeumo offer valuable versatility as well, given they aren’t strangers to playing through the middle.
We can also add to the equation the very promising Shea Lacey and the highly rated Tynan Thompson, a new signing from Tottenham.
And then there’s Joshua Zirkzee – essentially his backup – has not convinced during his first two years at United, especially leading the line.
The Dutchman clearly has some talent and looked electric in United’s 5-0 friendly win over Rosenborg last week. We can’t put too much weight on that, though, especially given links to Juventus refuse to go away.
Were Zirkzee to leave, it might be prudent to bring in someone more experienced to provide some challenge and support to Sesko. But all the same, United might be content that between them Cunha and Mbeumo (and Rashford?) can fill in for Sesko from time to time.
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Man Utd 2026-27 Squad Audit: Where Michael Carrick Still Needs Reinforcements Opta Analyst.
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