We need 2 and if Bruno leaves 3. Time to beef up our midfield once and for all
What do we still need? Aka The never ending story
- Thread starter Devil may care
- Start date
-
Nik (@Rood), Jamie (@Vault Dweller) and Ed (@That'sHernandez) give their end of season awards out! They celebrate the best players, goals and moments of the season (there were some, honestly) and also give out awards for the worst and most disappointing players/moments of the season.
They then discuss all the latest transfer rumours and get into the potential ins and outs this summer at Old Trafford.
If we only had the money for 2 more players i would sign..
GK - Essential we improve in this position, both keepers are terrible and inspire zero confidence in our defence.
ST - Yesterday was a great example of how a good striker could have easily had a couple of goals and made the game easy for us. Countless times we have seen teh lack of quality really hurt us, not just the goal scoring but the general play for a good striker is lacking.
Those 2 positions are ESSENTIAL to improving us next year. Next priorities would be...
CM - To sit deep with Ugarte and play the ball around and knit the play together but also have athletic ability.
CB - I know we have a few players in this position but we are incredibly injury prone with the likes of Martinez and De Ligt always out.
GK - Essential we improve in this position, both keepers are terrible and inspire zero confidence in our defence.
ST - Yesterday was a great example of how a good striker could have easily had a couple of goals and made the game easy for us. Countless times we have seen teh lack of quality really hurt us, not just the goal scoring but the general play for a good striker is lacking.
Those 2 positions are ESSENTIAL to improving us next year. Next priorities would be...
CM - To sit deep with Ugarte and play the ball around and knit the play together but also have athletic ability.
CB - I know we have a few players in this position but we are incredibly injury prone with the likes of Martinez and De Ligt always out.
With the Cunha signing basically done, I think 5 more players.
In order of importance-
In order of importance-
- Striker
- Goalkeeper
- Central midfielder 1
- Central midfielder 2
- Right attacking midfielder
Last edited:
I doubt that Gvardiol would've been on a very cheap deal, he was already touted as one of the best young CB's at the time. It took City nearly world record fee to get him, 95 million euros, IIRC. Luis Diaz primarily plays where we had Rashford. Thouameni did not get his head turned by Liverpool, who were in a much better position than us. I doubt we would've been able to bring him on. Plus, Real paid 100m for him.
I have no doubt that Ragnick could spot a talent, however, the guys on this list were already with a reputation, and it would've been on the cheap. We need more transfers like Heaven. He seems like a gem.
Wonder if Mitoma would be an option. Seems to have fallen out of favour at Brighton. I've always rated him but he's probably Bayern Munich bound.
To play LWB? He'd cost too much and is 28. We will focus on other positions.
I'd have RAM after striker. Really only have Amad as an option there. Need another creative lefty who can take on his man.
Too inconsistent tbh, we don't need that.
After Cunha,
Onana+Shaw+Malacia(25M)=GK1 (25M)
Bruno(100M) = Wharton(60)+D-Luiz(40)
Rash+Sancho(60)= Gyokeres(60)
Garnacho(50) = Mbuemo(50)
Mainoo (50)= Ederson(50)
Rasmus+Antony(70)=Good 2 WB's (35M each)
Dalot+Martinez(40) = Inacio or Branthwaite (40)
Atlay to Turkey= Backup GK
With out spending another penny, we can fix this team, we can also look at selling Ugarte to Italian clubs to get back some money spent on Cunha.
We could also bring in Obi, Lacey, Fletcher, Mantato, Fredricson etc from academy as a good backup.
------------------------------------------------Gyokeres/Zirkzee---------------------------------------------
---------------Cunha/Mason-------------------------------------------------Amad/Mbeumo----------
--LWB/Leon-------------Wharton/D-Luiz-----------------Ederson/Toby---------RWB/Dorgu-----
-----------------------Inacio/Heaven------------Deligt/Harry---------Yoro/Maz---------------------------
----------------------------------------------------GK1/GK2/Heaton--------------------------------------------------------
Onana+Shaw+Malacia(25M)=GK1 (25M)
Bruno(100M) = Wharton(60)+D-Luiz(40)
Rash+Sancho(60)= Gyokeres(60)
Garnacho(50) = Mbuemo(50)
Mainoo (50)= Ederson(50)
Rasmus+Antony(70)=Good 2 WB's (35M each)
Dalot+Martinez(40) = Inacio or Branthwaite (40)
Atlay to Turkey= Backup GK
With out spending another penny, we can fix this team, we can also look at selling Ugarte to Italian clubs to get back some money spent on Cunha.
We could also bring in Obi, Lacey, Fletcher, Mantato, Fredricson etc from academy as a good backup.
------------------------------------------------Gyokeres/Zirkzee---------------------------------------------
---------------Cunha/Mason-------------------------------------------------Amad/Mbeumo----------
--LWB/Leon-------------Wharton/D-Luiz-----------------Ederson/Toby---------RWB/Dorgu-----
-----------------------Inacio/Heaven------------Deligt/Harry---------Yoro/Maz---------------------------
----------------------------------------------------GK1/GK2/Heaton--------------------------------------------------------
Last edited:
GK (3)
Yoro DeLigt Heaven
Amad Ugarte CM (4) Dorgu
Bruno Cunha (1)
ST (2)
2025/2026 - 4 transfers highlighted above in order of priority
2026/2027 - CM (1), ST (2), CB (3), AM (4)
2027/2028 - LWB (1), RWB (2)
IF Bruno drops to CM full time next season then another AM is needed next season
IF Amad then moves to AM a RWB is needed next season
As we have to be careful with our money it’s going to take a few windows and a bit of a jigsaw puzzle until we get to a much more balanced squad.
Yoro DeLigt Heaven
Amad Ugarte CM (4) Dorgu
Bruno Cunha (1)
ST (2)
2025/2026 - 4 transfers highlighted above in order of priority
2026/2027 - CM (1), ST (2), CB (3), AM (4)
2027/2028 - LWB (1), RWB (2)
IF Bruno drops to CM full time next season then another AM is needed next season
IF Amad then moves to AM a RWB is needed next season
As we have to be careful with our money it’s going to take a few windows and a bit of a jigsaw puzzle until we get to a much more balanced squad.
Shame Zubimendi seems to be going to Arsenal, as I would have loved him at the club. I also feel like Amorim doesn't really rate Ugarte - he's dropped him in favor of a Casemiro/Bruno double pivot a bunch of times recently.
I also feel like our much touted move for Ederson is not a good idea because I just don't see how he offers us what we need, as good as he is. I feel like Amorim's default 3-4-3 hasn't really shown much and we've consistently looked much better when he's tweaked it into a 3-1-5-1/midfield diamond system with one of the pivots (usually, but not always, Bruno) stepping up. For instance, in the game against Villa, we had Casemiro as a solo pivot with Bruno stepping up to play between Mount and Amad as a 3 behind the striker, with both wingbacks taking aggressive positions to stretch the Villa backline -
Onana
Lindelof-Maguire-Heaven
Casemiro
Mazraoui-Amad-Bruno-Mount-Dorgu
Hojlund
Gets Bruno in his best position, has the advantage of aggressive wingbacks holding width and gets Bruno and the two #10s close together to link up. Plus, having lots of players in the forward areas helps us press high up the pitch compared to the 5-2-3 we've defended in most times under Amorim, which leaves the both the front 3 and midfield 2 outnumbered.
Obviously, this potentially exposes Casemiro because we're committing so many forward but didn't seem to cause any issues against Villa (Maybe this is an advantage of playing a back 3, because you can protect the single pivot by having one of back 3 step up to help cover the space? Especially if you have really athletic player like Yoro and Heaven in the backline). And I'd argue all of our best performances in the Europa League also came when playing this formation. Amorim made slight tweaks like pushing up Ugarte and keeping Bruno deep against Athletic Bilbao, for instance. But it seems to produce really vibrant attacking football, with lots of chances, which a rejigged frontline with Cunha and a new striker should be able to take.
All of which is a longwinded way of saying we should be trying to build around this 3-1-5-1 formation instead of trying to find a midfield double pivot. Fill that Casemiro role with someone more athletic/who can cover the large spaces, but who more importantly has the passing ability to progress the ball and get it to the 5 in front of him. Also feel this formation probably gives space to wide centre backs to step up and contribute more to the ball progression. Adam Wharton I feel like would be perfect for that role, but I doubt we'd be able to afford without CL money. Stiller seems like a good alterative but feel like he's not athletic enough. Zubimendi seems Arsenal bound. Not sure who else is out there?
Buy: Cunha (62m), Gyokeres (62m), Hugo Larsson (45m), Angel Gomes (free), Goncalo Inacio (30m), Joan Garcia (25m).
Sell: Rashford (40m) Sancho (25m), Antony (32m), Garnacho (50m), Casemiro (20m), Onana (25m)
I would also add Mbeumo, but don't know if we have the money. Maybe instead of a new CB... And if we get him, we probably don't need Gomes.
Sell: Rashford (40m) Sancho (25m), Antony (32m), Garnacho (50m), Casemiro (20m), Onana (25m)
I would also add Mbeumo, but don't know if we have the money. Maybe instead of a new CB... And if we get him, we probably don't need Gomes.
Last edited:
This is a wonderful vision, but let's consider making it happen in reality.
1. Onana/Shaw/Malacia for 25 million; okay, this one might be doable
2. We know the offer is in for Bruno, so that's not an issue; Wharton will have his pick of the litter, though, so why would he choose a club not in the CL?
3. It won't be easy to move Rashford and Sancho; assuming we can, though, Gyokeres can go to ready-made title contenders, so he's not choosing us. Even if he did by some miracle, nobody's getting him for 60 million. He's the best available striker in the world this summer. He'll go for 80-100 million.
4. Garnacho for 50 million is a stretch; maybe we get 40 million tops. Mbuemo might be willing to join, I guess.
5. We'd be crazy to sell Mainoo, and why would Ederson give up CL football next season to join us right now? His club would be crazy to sell him this soon, too
6. 70 million for Antony and Hojlund is a joke. Maybe 30 for Antony and 20 for Hojlund.
7. Nobody's buying Martinez this summer, he's too much of a risk due to his injury history.
8. A change in backup GK is always doable because nobody cares about backup Gks, I'll give you this one
Cunha all but done and Mbuemo looking likely 2 very good signings to start the window. We still need more and to shift the deadwood and players like Rashford etc obviously but that would be a fantastic start.
Chelsea were willing to pay 50m last summer. He's, what, not 21 yet and has relatively good g/a numbers, speed, high potential, and can say those numbers have come in a bad team (even last season). Napoli are also interested. Atletico, if they don't go for Antony, are another. Napoli and Atletico have historically paid 50m+ for top talent (latter paid 100m for Felix; around 85 for Alvarez). Just because he frustrates United fans doesn't mean there has to be this equivalent of 'cultural cringe' around players when it comes to their market value.
Cunha deal has been agreed for 62m, so left 10 is sorted. Other positions left:
Striker that holds up play and scores goals (Delap, 30m)
Right 10 that can operate in the half space and is productive in the final third (Mbeumo, 60m)
LWB that’s effective in build up play and chance creation in the final third (Doughty, 15m)
DM with recovery pace and can cover big spaces (Stach, 20m)
GK that’s not error prone and good at distribution (Lammens, 20m)
Total - 205m
IF BRUNO IS SOLD:
Add a CB with pace, physicality, and aerial ability (Branthwaite, 60m)
CM that’s athletic with ball carrying ability and progressive passing (Hackney, 25m)
Total - 290m
Lineup with Bruno
Lineup without Bruno
Striker that holds up play and scores goals (Delap, 30m)
Right 10 that can operate in the half space and is productive in the final third (Mbeumo, 60m)
LWB that’s effective in build up play and chance creation in the final third (Doughty, 15m)
DM with recovery pace and can cover big spaces (Stach, 20m)
GK that’s not error prone and good at distribution (Lammens, 20m)
Total - 205m
IF BRUNO IS SOLD:
Add a CB with pace, physicality, and aerial ability (Branthwaite, 60m)
CM that’s athletic with ball carrying ability and progressive passing (Hackney, 25m)
Total - 290m
Lineup with Bruno
Delap
Cunha Mbeumo
Doughty Fernandes Stach Amad
Yoro Maguire De Ligt
Lammens
Cunha Mbeumo
Doughty Fernandes Stach Amad
Yoro Maguire De Ligt
Lammens
Lineup without Bruno
Delap
Cunha Mbeumo
Doughty Hackney Stach Amad
Yoro Branthwaite De Ligt
Lammens
Cunha Mbeumo
Doughty Hackney Stach Amad
Yoro Branthwaite De Ligt
Lammens
Have seen zero talk of signing 2 CM's so far
He's going to be mega expensive is probably the reason. Don't know if United can afford to drop £80m on a midfielder.
We dont need to go crazy on number of signings and try to secure 4 top quality players. ST, Cunha, CM and GK alone should transform this team. With Shaw, Lindelof and Evans leaving will also need a backup CB.
Aim should be clear the deadwood and build a platform for the club. Its a real mess at the moment
ST
Cunha - Bruno
Dorgu - CM - Cas/Ugarte - Amad
Yoro - Harry - Maz
GK
Rasmus
Zirkzee - Mount
Amas - Mainoo - Ugarte/Cas - Dalot
Heaven - De Ligt - new backup CB
Heaton
Aim should be clear the deadwood and build a platform for the club. Its a real mess at the moment
ST
Cunha - Bruno
Dorgu - CM - Cas/Ugarte - Amad
Yoro - Harry - Maz
GK
Rasmus
Zirkzee - Mount
Amas - Mainoo - Ugarte/Cas - Dalot
Heaven - De Ligt - new backup CB
Heaton
Let's play some football manager, but not too unrealistic IMO, based on the prices we hear.
Numbers in pounds. We start with a budget of £100m.
Sell:
Højlund £30m
Garnacho £45m
Sancho £25m
Antony £30m
Rashford £35
Total: £165
We go to a budget of £265.
Cunha £62.5m
Mbeumo £50m
Gyökeres £65m
Total: £177.5
Attack is transformed. This leaves us with £87.5 remaining.
Midfield
Around £65 could fund a top press resistand midfielder who should be able to attack and defend, similar to Vitinha. Amorim will choose his desired profile.
Goalkeeper
The remaining £22.5 should be enough to buy a cheap good goalkeeper, such as J. Garcia or someone else in that mould.
Right Wingback:
Budget: Reports claim £100m, but INEOS may have more (I do not think it makes any sense to leak higher figures).
Convincing Players: This is the main challenge, especially about Gyokeres, he needs to be convinced by the whole project and all the signings we want to make. I do not believe it is just about Champions League. If we won the Europa, and we just made 2-3 transfers this summer without a good project, Gyokeres would join? Players would care about long-term ambition. We could, of course, add Delap instead, but I do not want us to go again with an inexperienced striker up top.
Now, if the prices which we will receive are unrealistic, we can consider selling Bruno from this summer and use these funds + buying a long term replacement like Mastantuono.
As for salaries, since we are offloading so many high earners, I think we will be more than ok.
One can dream, right?
Numbers in pounds. We start with a budget of £100m.
Sell:
Højlund £30m
Garnacho £45m
Sancho £25m
Antony £30m
Rashford £35
Total: £165
We go to a budget of £265.
Cunha £62.5m
Mbeumo £50m
Gyökeres £65m
Total: £177.5
Attack is transformed. This leaves us with £87.5 remaining.
Midfield
Around £65 could fund a top press resistand midfielder who should be able to attack and defend, similar to Vitinha. Amorim will choose his desired profile.
Goalkeeper
The remaining £22.5 should be enough to buy a cheap good goalkeeper, such as J. Garcia or someone else in that mould.
Right Wingback:
- Use Amad Diallo as a starter.
- If we raise extra funds by selling Casemiro, Malacia, Luke Shaw, or Onana/Bayindir, target a smart, affordable option (e.g., Roger Fernandes for ~20m).
- Keep Bruno Fernandes for the transition phase—he also deserves to play in a better-structured team.
- Next summer, reassess: Saudi moves (e.g., Bruno) could fund niche upgrades (ball-playing defenders, elite wingbacks).
Budget: Reports claim £100m, but INEOS may have more (I do not think it makes any sense to leak higher figures).
Convincing Players: This is the main challenge, especially about Gyokeres, he needs to be convinced by the whole project and all the signings we want to make. I do not believe it is just about Champions League. If we won the Europa, and we just made 2-3 transfers this summer without a good project, Gyokeres would join? Players would care about long-term ambition. We could, of course, add Delap instead, but I do not want us to go again with an inexperienced striker up top.
Now, if the prices which we will receive are unrealistic, we can consider selling Bruno from this summer and use these funds + buying a long term replacement like Mastantuono.
As for salaries, since we are offloading so many high earners, I think we will be more than ok.
One can dream, right?
Last edited:
Hear me out
Currently we’re 66-1 to win the league next year.
——— Striker
Cunha ——— Mbeumo
No European games
Currently we’re 66-1 to win the league next year.
——— Striker
Cunha ——— Mbeumo
No European games
Yeah this but Wharton as the CM
We should be 500/1 what tight Ass bookie is that ?
Realistic 11 then:
Onana
Dorgu
Heaven
De Ligt
Yoro
Amad
Ederson
Bruno
Cunha
Mbeumo
Delap or Mateta
Or if we sell Bruno another CM in his place (and maybe it funds a new keeper).
I reckon that team gets us back into Europe, I have put Ederson in as seemingly the only CM linked to us.
Onana
Dorgu
Heaven
De Ligt
Yoro
Amad
Ederson
Bruno
Cunha
Mbeumo
Delap or Mateta
Or if we sell Bruno another CM in his place (and maybe it funds a new keeper).
I reckon that team gets us back into Europe, I have put Ederson in as seemingly the only CM linked to us.
500/1 I’m definitely in
Yeah hasn't been links to any other midfielder so far, would also be looking to change GK too. Garcia should be top target if we can't get Maignan for reasonable fee. Maybe we could monitor Mastantuono situation for January if he doesn’t move in this window.
It is not realistic especially given that Amorim mentioned today we will have to work with what with got. However, I would sell whoever brings decent money and is not 100% made for the way Amorim wants to play or is somehow not wanted by him.
Bruno, Rashford, Antony, Garnacho, Mainoo, Maguire, Hojlund. We won't find buyers for Mount, Shaw etc.
With Delap being more or less a given I would still sell Hojlund and get Obi more into the team and maybe try to loan an experienced one. We still have Zirkzee if needed.
For the 10 we got Cunha plus Mount, Amad (not a good fit as wingback for me) and Zirkzee.
We need at least one more proper dynamic midfielder. Only Ugarte, Casemiro and Collyer is not enough. Also one more CB as I do not trust Shaw and who knows what will be with Martinez.
If we can get an upgrade on Dalot that would be great but otherwise I am not against keeping him. He at least got some attributes. Mazraoui and Dorgu are starters, also de Ligt and Yoro.
And if we can swap Onana I would be delighted but I do not see it.
Bruno, Rashford, Antony, Garnacho, Mainoo, Maguire, Hojlund. We won't find buyers for Mount, Shaw etc.
With Delap being more or less a given I would still sell Hojlund and get Obi more into the team and maybe try to loan an experienced one. We still have Zirkzee if needed.
For the 10 we got Cunha plus Mount, Amad (not a good fit as wingback for me) and Zirkzee.
We need at least one more proper dynamic midfielder. Only Ugarte, Casemiro and Collyer is not enough. Also one more CB as I do not trust Shaw and who knows what will be with Martinez.
If we can get an upgrade on Dalot that would be great but otherwise I am not against keeping him. He at least got some attributes. Mazraoui and Dorgu are starters, also de Ligt and Yoro.
And if we can swap Onana I would be delighted but I do not see it.
GK: Maignan/Vitek/Heaton: I think Martinez will be Onana 2.0 with ego and overconfidence. Maignan is ideal as it would be a smaller risk than Garcia and I am not sure we would be Garcias first choice. Pay this year as the competition will be too big for signature if we runs down his Milan contract. Milan also lost out on Europe so maybe they are willing to cash in. The alternative is to get Milinkovic-Savic for cheapish and if we have long term belief in Vitek. And if he does not work out then try Maignan again in 2026 when he is free agent (but again I am not sure we would be his first choice). Do not really care who is 3rd choice keeper. Heaton or some other older player happy to make up numbers in training and mentor younger colleges.
2026 summer: If we get Maignan and he settles in well then, we are sorted for a long time. The only need to go back to keeper market would be if Vitek ended up being too good to be second choice and wants to move on. But his sale should cover any cost of backup.
LWB: Dorgu/Amass/Leon: I know some are already dumping on Dorgue but he just joined a new country and league so I will give him a benefit of the doubt. Proper pre-season and having more time in UK will hopefully mean we will start seeing more from him soon. Having both Amass and Leon battle it out while Dorgu is first choice may not be ideal for either of their developments, but I am not sure we should loan either out either. I guess Leon can start off in academy for the first few months to settle in (and not through youngsters into fire) but seeing as he is the first choice now in his club them, I am not sure he will be overly patient. By mid-season I am sure he expects to be in the main squad.
2026 summer: Hopefully we do not need to invest here for many years. However, a run at Ait-Nouri on a free seems stupid to pass on.
RWB: Amad/Dalot/Kamason: Before the Europa League final I was not sure should we use him more in RWB or RAM but it the final when we were “pushing” late on he was at hugging the sideline and too close to Dalot instead of looking for space how Amorim systems would require so it seems that is more natural to him be in RWB. Dalot as cover for a season is enough and get Kamason learning with the first team and few minutes where possible.
2026 summer: if Amad ends up being used more in RAM then eventually we need an upgrade on Dalot – unless Kamason takes an mighty set up and clams the position so wait one more year until he is ready step out if Dalot shadow and on Amad’s heals.
LCB: Heaven/Martinez/Fredricson: Martinez has a long injury so this is Heavens opportunity to take. Use Yoro here if it’s a strong opponent and we are too afraid to place too much pressure on Fredricson. Alternative is to also keep Shaw as cover but not too much that it would impact Heaven progress. But if by some chance we can engineer a move for Shaw then by all means eject him.
2026 summer: My gut feeling is that we should be looking to replace Martinez either in 2026 summer or 2027 summer. In that case profile depends how far Heaven has come – either we need cover for him or first-choice name.
CCB: De Ligt/Maguire: Hopefully less games means De Ligt can stay fit and fully claim the position so there is no debate, and we can let Maguire leave without needing to extend his big contract. Need to address this position in 2026 summer.
2026 summer: Maguire goes and we spend 50-60mil on replacement. Guehi on a free would be nice but competition for him will be wild.
RCB: Yoro/Mazraoui: Not sure what else to say. Those two are solid options which means we hopefully do not need to worry about this position and can focus elsewhere. The only concern might be injuries and if Yoro keeps developing then at some point another big club will come try to turn his head.
2026 summer: Hopefully both are going strong, so there is no need to address this area.
LCM: Fernandes/Mainoo/Collyer: These options do not fill me with confidence. Use Bruno deeper when not playing top clubs to take opponents focus from our attackers and have him dictate from further away. I like Mainoo but I worry for him in Amorim’s system. He is still young and hopefully Amorim can mold him into becoming an excellent part of the system. But if they do not find a common language and understanding then summer of 2026 may bring hard questions. I am not fully sure Collyer will make it in this club (I really hope I am wrong) so he will be an extra body. Not sure we can afford to send him out on loan and there is no meaningful sale marked for him now. He lets him learn and let’s see when coaches can get out of him.
RCM: Wharton/Ugarte/Kone: Palace got European football, yet I saw some reports that it might be possible to get him out of there. No doubt it would be extremely expensive but if there is a change then we need to try.
2026 summer: if we get Wharton and Kone can develop in the main squad then RCM should be ok for a few years. LCM need more urgent addressing dependent on Mainoo progress and Collyer. For 2025 it should be enough but hopefully in 2026 we will be back in Europe and so these options will fall short.
LAM: Cunha/Mount/Biancheri: Cunha as main and Mount as backup will hopefully be enough in a season without Europe. Mainoo can also cover
2026 summer: Most likely need an upgrade on Mount so need to address this position in consecutive summers.
RAM: Mbeumo: He will make this position his own and Amad, Zirkzee/Bruno can cover.
2026 summer: Have a go at Dibling if by some miracle he will see up is contract in Southhampton and will enter the market on a free.
ST: Delap/Zirkzee/Obi: Delap is not the striker that is ready to carry a line for teams which has European aspirations, but he will be enough next year if supported by Cunha and Mbeumo. Hopefully he will have time and talent to grow in their shadow while they take the main focus on opponent defenses. I pin similar hopes on Zirkzee. He was so underwhelming this season but I think he will be different beast as false 9 while powerful AMs run at defenses. Obe will become a focal battering ram but not for few years yet.
2026 summer: if we get European football then an experiences striker alongside Delap and Obi.
Total of 29 of players but 14 of those are youngsters (Vitek, Amass, Leon, Kamason, Heaven, Fredricson, Yoro, Wharton, Mainoo, Collyer, Kone, Biancheri, Delap, Obi) and 15 seniors (Maignan, Heaton, Dorgu, Amad, Dalot, Martinez , De Ligt, Maguire, Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Cunha, Mount)
I think this squad if they fully buy into Amorim and play as unit can easily be better than this years Chelsea, Newcastle which got TOP5.
Out: Onana, Bayindir, Malacia, Shaw, Casemiro, Gore, Hojlund, Garnacho, Antony, Lindelof, Evans, Erikson
In: Maignan, Leon, Wharton, Cunha, Mbeumo, Delap
2026 summer: If we get Maignan and he settles in well then, we are sorted for a long time. The only need to go back to keeper market would be if Vitek ended up being too good to be second choice and wants to move on. But his sale should cover any cost of backup.
LWB: Dorgu/Amass/Leon: I know some are already dumping on Dorgue but he just joined a new country and league so I will give him a benefit of the doubt. Proper pre-season and having more time in UK will hopefully mean we will start seeing more from him soon. Having both Amass and Leon battle it out while Dorgu is first choice may not be ideal for either of their developments, but I am not sure we should loan either out either. I guess Leon can start off in academy for the first few months to settle in (and not through youngsters into fire) but seeing as he is the first choice now in his club them, I am not sure he will be overly patient. By mid-season I am sure he expects to be in the main squad.
2026 summer: Hopefully we do not need to invest here for many years. However, a run at Ait-Nouri on a free seems stupid to pass on.
RWB: Amad/Dalot/Kamason: Before the Europa League final I was not sure should we use him more in RWB or RAM but it the final when we were “pushing” late on he was at hugging the sideline and too close to Dalot instead of looking for space how Amorim systems would require so it seems that is more natural to him be in RWB. Dalot as cover for a season is enough and get Kamason learning with the first team and few minutes where possible.
2026 summer: if Amad ends up being used more in RAM then eventually we need an upgrade on Dalot – unless Kamason takes an mighty set up and clams the position so wait one more year until he is ready step out if Dalot shadow and on Amad’s heals.
LCB: Heaven/Martinez/Fredricson: Martinez has a long injury so this is Heavens opportunity to take. Use Yoro here if it’s a strong opponent and we are too afraid to place too much pressure on Fredricson. Alternative is to also keep Shaw as cover but not too much that it would impact Heaven progress. But if by some chance we can engineer a move for Shaw then by all means eject him.
2026 summer: My gut feeling is that we should be looking to replace Martinez either in 2026 summer or 2027 summer. In that case profile depends how far Heaven has come – either we need cover for him or first-choice name.
CCB: De Ligt/Maguire: Hopefully less games means De Ligt can stay fit and fully claim the position so there is no debate, and we can let Maguire leave without needing to extend his big contract. Need to address this position in 2026 summer.
2026 summer: Maguire goes and we spend 50-60mil on replacement. Guehi on a free would be nice but competition for him will be wild.
RCB: Yoro/Mazraoui: Not sure what else to say. Those two are solid options which means we hopefully do not need to worry about this position and can focus elsewhere. The only concern might be injuries and if Yoro keeps developing then at some point another big club will come try to turn his head.
2026 summer: Hopefully both are going strong, so there is no need to address this area.
LCM: Fernandes/Mainoo/Collyer: These options do not fill me with confidence. Use Bruno deeper when not playing top clubs to take opponents focus from our attackers and have him dictate from further away. I like Mainoo but I worry for him in Amorim’s system. He is still young and hopefully Amorim can mold him into becoming an excellent part of the system. But if they do not find a common language and understanding then summer of 2026 may bring hard questions. I am not fully sure Collyer will make it in this club (I really hope I am wrong) so he will be an extra body. Not sure we can afford to send him out on loan and there is no meaningful sale marked for him now. He lets him learn and let’s see when coaches can get out of him.
RCM: Wharton/Ugarte/Kone: Palace got European football, yet I saw some reports that it might be possible to get him out of there. No doubt it would be extremely expensive but if there is a change then we need to try.
2026 summer: if we get Wharton and Kone can develop in the main squad then RCM should be ok for a few years. LCM need more urgent addressing dependent on Mainoo progress and Collyer. For 2025 it should be enough but hopefully in 2026 we will be back in Europe and so these options will fall short.
LAM: Cunha/Mount/Biancheri: Cunha as main and Mount as backup will hopefully be enough in a season without Europe. Mainoo can also cover
2026 summer: Most likely need an upgrade on Mount so need to address this position in consecutive summers.
RAM: Mbeumo: He will make this position his own and Amad, Zirkzee/Bruno can cover.
2026 summer: Have a go at Dibling if by some miracle he will see up is contract in Southhampton and will enter the market on a free.
ST: Delap/Zirkzee/Obi: Delap is not the striker that is ready to carry a line for teams which has European aspirations, but he will be enough next year if supported by Cunha and Mbeumo. Hopefully he will have time and talent to grow in their shadow while they take the main focus on opponent defenses. I pin similar hopes on Zirkzee. He was so underwhelming this season but I think he will be different beast as false 9 while powerful AMs run at defenses. Obe will become a focal battering ram but not for few years yet.
2026 summer: if we get European football then an experiences striker alongside Delap and Obi.
Total of 29 of players but 14 of those are youngsters (Vitek, Amass, Leon, Kamason, Heaven, Fredricson, Yoro, Wharton, Mainoo, Collyer, Kone, Biancheri, Delap, Obi) and 15 seniors (Maignan, Heaton, Dorgu, Amad, Dalot, Martinez , De Ligt, Maguire, Mazraoui, Fernandes, Ugarte, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Cunha, Mount)
I think this squad if they fully buy into Amorim and play as unit can easily be better than this years Chelsea, Newcastle which got TOP5.
Out: Onana, Bayindir, Malacia, Shaw, Casemiro, Gore, Hojlund, Garnacho, Antony, Lindelof, Evans, Erikson
In: Maignan, Leon, Wharton, Cunha, Mbeumo, Delap
Last edited:
Would Maignan come to us, without European football?
I’m not going to include fees because they’re not easy to guess.
Goalkeeper
Ideally we’d be able to sell Onana and bring in this Joan Garcia from Espanyol. Happy to be corrected, but Vanja Milenkovic-Savic seems too much like replacing one dodgy keeper with another. If Buyindir goes, we’d obviously need a backup option - could we promote Vitek? Otherwise, maybe there’s an experienced free agent we could get?
Central Defence
I think this is mostly ok, but with Lindelof and Evans definitely going, and Shaw maybe going as well, that leaves us with Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Heaven, and Martinez to cover those three positions. I’d have really liked Tah, but that’s a no go. This is an awkward one because it’s not a priority position but we could do with someone there. Boscagli is out of contract, but I couldn’t say if he’s any good. Would we be happy giving Kukonki a go if the need arises?
Wingbacks
I’m happy to have Amad or Dalot at RWB, and Mazraoui is perfectly capable support. LWB is an issue, and I’m not sure Dorgu has really impressed so far (although he may be better after a pre season). If we could get Ait-Nouri or Theo Hernandez with one year left on their contracts that would be ideal. Again though, as we’ve got Dalot and Mazraoui who can play left (how well is another matter), I don’t think we’ll see this as a priority.
Centre Midfield
This is a problem area. We need a physical presence in here, and I’m still annoyed that Aston Villa were so quick to snap up Onana last summer. As a short term option, Anguissa on a free would be a smart signing. If we’re willing to spend, Ederson is an option. Would anybody take Ndidi with a £9m release clause as an extra body?
I think Mainoo and Mount are fine as creative players, Ugarte and Casemiro cover a defensive role, we just need muscle.
Attacking Midfield
Cunha coming in is great. We’re losing a big chunk of players here though, with Rashford, Sancho, Antony and maybe Garnacho and Bruno all going. So if we can get Mbuemo or Cherki that would be a big help. That would mean we’d got Cunha, Mbuemo, Cherki, Mount and Mainoo to cover those two positions.
Striker
There’s not much I can say here that isn’t obvious. We need a goal scorer. I don’t think Delap is good enough, but I don’t think our ideal options are going to happen. Perhaps the goal threat of Cunha and Mbuemo would make up for Delap not getting a big number?
So…with first choice in bold…
Goalkeeper
Ideally we’d be able to sell Onana and bring in this Joan Garcia from Espanyol. Happy to be corrected, but Vanja Milenkovic-Savic seems too much like replacing one dodgy keeper with another. If Buyindir goes, we’d obviously need a backup option - could we promote Vitek? Otherwise, maybe there’s an experienced free agent we could get?
Central Defence
I think this is mostly ok, but with Lindelof and Evans definitely going, and Shaw maybe going as well, that leaves us with Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Heaven, and Martinez to cover those three positions. I’d have really liked Tah, but that’s a no go. This is an awkward one because it’s not a priority position but we could do with someone there. Boscagli is out of contract, but I couldn’t say if he’s any good. Would we be happy giving Kukonki a go if the need arises?
Wingbacks
I’m happy to have Amad or Dalot at RWB, and Mazraoui is perfectly capable support. LWB is an issue, and I’m not sure Dorgu has really impressed so far (although he may be better after a pre season). If we could get Ait-Nouri or Theo Hernandez with one year left on their contracts that would be ideal. Again though, as we’ve got Dalot and Mazraoui who can play left (how well is another matter), I don’t think we’ll see this as a priority.
Centre Midfield
This is a problem area. We need a physical presence in here, and I’m still annoyed that Aston Villa were so quick to snap up Onana last summer. As a short term option, Anguissa on a free would be a smart signing. If we’re willing to spend, Ederson is an option. Would anybody take Ndidi with a £9m release clause as an extra body?
I think Mainoo and Mount are fine as creative players, Ugarte and Casemiro cover a defensive role, we just need muscle.
Attacking Midfield
Cunha coming in is great. We’re losing a big chunk of players here though, with Rashford, Sancho, Antony and maybe Garnacho and Bruno all going. So if we can get Mbuemo or Cherki that would be a big help. That would mean we’d got Cunha, Mbuemo, Cherki, Mount and Mainoo to cover those two positions.
Striker
There’s not much I can say here that isn’t obvious. We need a goal scorer. I don’t think Delap is good enough, but I don’t think our ideal options are going to happen. Perhaps the goal threat of Cunha and Mbuemo would make up for Delap not getting a big number?
So…with first choice in bold…
Garcia
Vitek
Yoro Maguire Martinez
Mazraoui De Ligt Heaven
Amad Ugarte Ederson Ait-Nouri
Dalot Casemiro Mainoo Dorgu
Mbuemo Cunha
Cherki Mount
Delap
Zirkzee
I’d say the new players named are mostly realistic, bar maybe Ait-Nouri. I don’t watch enough of the youth teams to be able to judge if anyone could be promoted, but am I right in thinking most of the highest rated ones are around 17-18, and probably not quite ready?Vitek
Yoro Maguire Martinez
Mazraoui De Ligt Heaven
Amad Ugarte Ederson Ait-Nouri
Dalot Casemiro Mainoo Dorgu
Mbuemo Cunha
Cherki Mount
Delap
Zirkzee
Just add a new GK to this and it looks miles better than what we have.
I wont mind going after Wharton in the midfield.
I know it's early on the window, but all the talk is about a CF, 10s and wing backs.
They're all important, sure, but central midfield is just as important. Casemiro, Ugarte and Bruno doesn't make for a good central midfield. Casemiro is on his last legs, Bruno is too weak and careless in possession, and Ugarte is struggling to step up.
Mainoo I'm still hopeful of but I honestly don't know where he stands in an Amorim team.
I know @DWelbz19 you're as eager as me to see a central midfielder or two linked to us. Especially one that can control a game.
They're all important, sure, but central midfield is just as important. Casemiro, Ugarte and Bruno doesn't make for a good central midfield. Casemiro is on his last legs, Bruno is too weak and careless in possession, and Ugarte is struggling to step up.
Mainoo I'm still hopeful of but I honestly don't know where he stands in an Amorim team.
I know @DWelbz19 you're as eager as me to see a central midfielder or two linked to us. Especially one that can control a game.
Heaton must be serious craic in the dressing room because he's firmly third choice behind two of the worst keepers in United's history and there is never even a mention that he mightn't be cut out for the job of keeper at United
Valuations of Baleba and Wharton might be even funnier than prospect of bringing back Greenwood.
Do we have any word on who is being targeted to be the keeper? Keep and centre forward the priorities still for me.
I will be astonished if we don't sign at least 1 CM. Amorim clearly does not trust Ugarte or he would have started him in the final. Eriksen is gone. Cas will probably go.
I think we need GK, CM, 2 x AMs, ST.
With Yoro, Heaven, DeLigt, Heaven, Amad, Maz, Dorgu and possibly Bruno, we have a decent base. The rest of the 1st team squad can/should all be sold.
With Villa supposedly in PSR trouble I'd be sniffing around Onana, who hasn't been first choice for them this season and certainly would be at United. Another option would be Man Utd Koné who had a great season this year.
GK
CB
CM
CF
In short, a spine.
CB
CM
CF
In short, a spine.
It’s one of those positions that I just struggle to see Amorim really care about, sadly. Or at least consider his top priority. I can’t pretend to have significant knowledge of how his Sporting team set up, but from how we play under him it feels like he wants the bulk of his buildup to come from CBs. Ideal CMs seem to be ones who can vertically get up and down the pitch.
If we do start to get strongly linked with a central midfielder, I think it’ll be an all action type of guy. Which both coincides with 1. The recent briefings that we want to increase the physicality of the side, and 2. The one midfielder we have consistently been linked with is of that sort of profile (Atalanta’s Ederson).
Currently on paper we have:
Fernandes; Mainoo; Casemiro; Ugarte; (and Collyer). If the budget is tight I can see Amorim foregoing a CM — especially given we won’t play an extra 10+ matches in Europe.
Hasn't Douglas Luiz had a bad year at Juve? Would be an ideal signing if he were open to a move back to the PL.
I'd like to see where we go from here. No CL football has reportedly made the likes of Gyokeres and Delap decide they want to go elsewhere, with the likes of Mbeumo and Cherki rumoured to be going to other clubs also.
This is where we need to start listening to our scouts and hopefully Vivell also has an input, this is a crucial summer for us.
This is where we need to start listening to our scouts and hopefully Vivell also has an input, this is a crucial summer for us.