Man Utd transfer priorities emerge as dream starting XI takes shape | Football | Sport

Following a period of revival under Michael Carrick, Manchester United have Champions League qualification firmly in their sights. Whether they secure it or not, substantial transfer market decisions loom large. Last summer, the club invested over £200million to acquire Matheus Cunha, Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. They also generated income through the departures of Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, amongst others, whilst Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund are anticipated to depart permanently this summer following productive loan spells.

United have already confirmed Casemiro’s summer exit, with the Brazilian due to leave when his contract expires. Beyond that, however, several uncertainties remain. It would require a dramatic downturn for United to finish without any European football next season and additional fixtures would necessitate a larger squad, potentially meaning the retention of players who might otherwise have been moved on. We’ve assessed who merits staying and who ought to depart.

Altay Bayindir – SELL

The Turkish shot-stopper has proved largely underwhelming and an improvement in the reserve goalkeeper position may be required.

Diogo Dalot – KEEP

Dalot’s adaptability across the full-back positions renders him a valuable squad asset, so he should remain if content with a supporting role.

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Noussair Mazraoui – SELL

On hefty wages and carrying too many fitness doubts to warrant retaining him, Mazraoui ought to be offloaded to ease the strain on the salary budget.

Matthijs de Ligt – SELL

Among United’s top earners yet a player the club have proven they can manage perfectly well without. At 26 he should still command a decent fee, which can be reinvested.

Harry Maguire – KEEP

Maguire has shown his calibre under Carrick and secured himself a prolonged stay despite looking to have no United future just a few months ago.

Lisandro Martinez – KEEP

Has experienced his fitness problems but evidently strengthens the side with his ability and leadership when fit.

Mason Mount – SELL

Too unreliable with injuries to be retained when additional fixtures will only place further strain on the squad.

Bruno Fernandes – KEEP

There have been occasions when taking big money for Fernandes and reinvesting could be called a sensible option but his performances in the second half of the campaign make him difficult to release.

Matheus Cunha – KEEP

A respectable debut season from the summer acquisition, who has shown there could well be plenty more to come.

Joshua Zirkzee – SELL

The Dutchman still holds significant pedigree in the eyes of Serie A decision-makers and that should enable United to recover some of what they invested for a player nowhere near a starting position.

Tyrell Malacia – RELEASE

Out of contract in the summer and with no prospect of securing a fresh deal.

Patrick Dorgu – KEEP

Discovered a new level this season and his adaptability should prove a genuine advantage next term.

Leny Yoro – KEEP

Hasn’t consistently looked like a £52m player just yet but the youngster has grown into his role.

Amad – KEEP

Amad’s performances dipped slightly following his return from AFCON but his displays under Ruben Amorim before Christmas illustrate why he remains an important asset.

Casemiro – RELEASE

Whilst some now advocate for the Brazilian to remain, a fresh start and an opportunity to depart on good terms benefits all parties.

Bryan Mbeumo – KEEP

Mbeumo has settled in seamlessly and should prove a genuine asset during his maiden European campaign with United.

Luke Shaw – KEEP

It may not be practical to anticipate Shaw being virtually ever-present next season but he’s certainly worth retaining – even if that’s in a rotation capacity with Patrick Dorgu starting at left-back for a chunk of the campaign.

Manuel Ugarte – SELL

Ugarte will be offloaded at a considerable loss but it’s difficult to envisage a future for him at Old Trafford.

Ayden Heaven – KEEP

Injuries elsewhere saw Heaven fast-tracked into the first team this term. A loan arrangement might benefit the teenager next term but there’s no possibility of a permanent sale.

Benjamin Sesko – KEEP

Increased competition should assist the summer acquisition, who has at last begun to find his rhythm under Carrick.

Senne Lammens – KEEP

The Belgian has enjoyed a dream debut season at Old Trafford, brushing aside any early uncertainties regarding his readiness to step up as first-choice goalkeeper.

Kobbie Mainoo – KEEP

Mainoo’s readiness to return despite a spell outside the team under Ruben Amorim speaks volumes and he’s integral to both the present and future.

The loan contingent

Several senior United players have spent the campaign away on loan and the majority – though not every one – should likely be moved on. Rashford, Hojlund and Andre Onana all should command decent fees whilst Jadon Sancho’s departure on a free will remove his wages from the payroll.

Radek Vitek might benefit from integration into the first-team squad next season and the same goes for Sekou Kone, though Toby Collyer could end up being offloaded. Harry Amass’ circumstances are more difficult to forecast, though another loan spell could serve both United and the left-back as they determine the long-term approach.

Next season’s starting line-up

Much hinges on whether Champions League qualification can be achieved. This will dictate the calibre of player United are capable of attracting, though we have some indication of how matters might unfold.

A fresh central midfielder to succeed Casemiro is essential, with Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba amongst those previously mentioned. Fewer candidates have been suggested regarding an improvement at right-back but Borussia Dortmund ace Julian Ryerson is one who might suit the role.

Man Utd 2026/27 XI: Lammens, new right-back, Maguire, Martinez, Dorgu, new central midfielder, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Bruno F, Cunha, Sesko.