Man Utd 2025/26 squad review – keep, sell, loan, return or buy | Football | Sport

Manchester United are heading into a pivotal summer transfer window as Michael Carrick prepares to take the manager’s job on a permanent basis. The former Red Devils midfielder led an impressive revival in the second half of the campaign, steering United to a top-five finish in the Premier League table. It was enough to earn him a full-time contract, having initially replaced Ruben Amorim on a temporary basis.

The next challenge for Carrick will be to shape the squad in his image as he looks ahead to his first full season in charge. United will be determined to improve in the Premier League and mount a title challenge, along with the added responsibility of competing in Europe. A number of big decisions will need to be made in the summer to give them the best chance of achieving their goals.

Express Sport evaluates United’s current squad and looks at how much business they need to get done…

United are pretty well-stocked in the goalkeeper department, with Senne Lammens establishing himself as the undisputed first choice between the sticks.

Altay Bayindir is also a capable back-up and upgrading in that department won’t be a priority for Carrick, with bigger issues elsewhere.

Tom Heaton’s new deal will boost their homegrown department, while the former Burnley stopper will continue to pass on his wealth of experience on the training ground.

That leaves Andre Onana, who is due to return from his loan spell at Trabzonspor. He doesn’t appear to have a future at Old Trafford and should be sold at the earliest opportunity, which would be the best move for all parties.

Tyrell Malacia is already confirmed to be leaving United, so they could do with signing another left-sided defender to provide cover for Luke Shaw, although Noussair Mazraoui can play there if needed.

Patrick Dorgu, meanwhile, is still yet to prove his worth 18 months after joining the Red Devils and should be shipped out.

At least one, or possibly two, right-backs should also be targeted. Diogo Dalot rarely sets the world alight and United could decide to sign an upgrade in the summer, plus a back-up option.

There are questions over whether Matthijs de Ligt should be sold, given his injury proneness. If he is moved on, the Red Devils may benefit from adding another central defender to their ranks.

Harry Amass, meanwhile, could be sold after two forgettable loan spells in the Championship with relegated Sheffield Wednesday and mid-table Norwich City.

Loan moves could be the best option for Tyler Fredricson and Diego Leon, although Carrick might decide to give the latter an opportunity to work his way into the senior squad.

That leaves Mazraoui, Shaw, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, who should all stay.

Expect an overhaul in the engine room, with United looking to revamp their midfield options following the exit of Casemiro.

Kobbie Mainoo will be a crucial member of the side next season, having experienced a resurgence under Carrick.

He will be partnered with a new face, which could be Atalanta playmaker Ederson with reports stating that he has reached a verbal agreement on a five-year contract.

United also want to sign another midfielder on top of the Brazilian, with the likes of Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson having been linked.

It goes without saying that Bruno Fernandes will stay at Old Trafford this summer as he looks to follow up his best individual campaign to date.

Manuel Ugarte has been a total flop and should be nowhere near the team while Toby Collyer could also move to pastures new, either via another loan deal or a permanent exit.

Dan Gore, meanwhile, remains highly rated at Old Trafford and may also be shipped out on loan to gain some additional senior experience.

Mason Mount showed green shoots last season and should remain at United to provide cover, alongside the young Fletcher brothers.

United have already waved goodbye to Rasmus Hojlund, who has joined Napoli permanently after they qualified for next season’s Champions League.

Joshua Zirkzee could follow the Dane out of Old Trafford, having failed to really establish himself as a player worth keeping around.

Jadon Sancho also needs to be moved on, given that he is costing United a fortune in wages and has never looked like succeeding at the club.

Chido Obi and Ethan Wheatley could benefit from loan moves, possibly to the Championship or abroad, as they continue to find their feet at senior level.

Otherwise, the Red Devils are looking pretty good in attack, with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Amad set to remain at the club next season.

But it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add some quality cover, both up front and in the wide positions, with the extra demands of Champions League football making rotation more important.

A move for Robert Lewandowski, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Barcelona, could be one to consider.