After a strong end to the overall disappointing 2025/2026 campaign, Manchester United start another new season with a new permanent manager in the dugout as Michael Carrick will be keen to continue his impressive start from the interim spell. In a season that sees a return to the Champions League, higher expectations to qualify again in the league and hope of domestic cup runs after exiting at the first time of asking, it’s bound to be a big season ahead.

In this series of posts, we’re looking at the squad available to Carrick for the upcoming campaign, after four first team additions have come in alongside several confirmed outgoings and a few changes in the age group sides as some players could be making a step up this campaign.

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Goalkeeper

In goal, Manchester United have finally settled in with Senne Lammens an untouchable starter in the squad. With recent years having the unpredictable Andre Onana and Bayindir’s cameos, these two are both on loan moves away this season allowing Lammens to essentially play the season uncontested for his place. Although his World Cup ended in disappointment, Lammens offers a real calming presence and while he still has room to develop further within the squad, there’s no doubt he will remain the no.1 at the club for the next 3+ years.

There has been a new arrival as backup keeper with Bayindir and Onana heading out on loan, as Karl Darlow joins from rivals Leeds United after a decent season last time round. Given his age, Darlow will likely be settling into the 2nd choice role at the club, and may feature in some cup games or if required for rotation, but it’s hoped that he won’t be called upon for any long period of time this season. We also still have the 3rd choice experienced head of Tom Heaton in the playing squad. Largely now a training keeper who can assist with his leadership and experience, Heaton will be unlikely to see game-time this campaign, but he remains a useful player around the squad.

In terms of any younger breakthrough’s Dermot Mee could be in contention for the back-up role, while most of the remaining options will remain in their youth setups unless required through injury.

In terms of outgoings, the goalkeeper position has been largely overhauled with those loans for Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir. With expectations for these to become permanent, it’s unlikely we will see either return to the club in the future. Meanwhile, there had been talk of Radek Vitek stepping into the senior squad, but a permanent move away to Middlesbrough will see him build a career away from the club, while it’s expected that United could have a clause in the contract to bring him back down the line if required.

Left-Back

Left-back has become a huge talking point this summer, as many expected United to enter the market late for a late addition in this spot, however after knockbacks for several key targets including Lewis Hall, the options remain largely unchanged.

Luke Shaw will be hoping to continue his consistent availability last campaign, as he featured across the entire season and remained largely uninjured, however the concerns over his long-term availability alongside an already extended campaign with the Champions League means cover may be required.

In the back-up spots, Patrick Dorgu remains the main option, however he had been largely used under Carrick in the left-wing role, with the manager seemingly looking at Dorgu as an attacking option than defensive one, however he could still be called upon at certain points in the left-back role. Additionally, Harry Amass remained at the club despite talks of a permanent move away, and while he’s the young breakthrough option, it could be a pivotal year in his United career if he is used at any point.

Other options for the left-back role could include utilising Dalot or Mazraoui in this spot, something both have tried in the past, but it’s likely they will be kept on the opposite side. There’s also youngster Diego Leon who is yet to feature for the senior side but will be remaining at the club this year to continue his development in the age group setups, and could push his way into the contention.

Centre-Back

The centre of defence for Manchester United currently looks like one of their strongest areas on the pitch, with 5+ genuine options to use in these spots through the season, and several youngsters ready for a chance.

Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez will be the starting pair for the majority of the season, as I believe they still are arguably the best options United have at their disposal, they both really get what it means to play for United, they have fans on side and have enough experience to navigate through difficult moments in games where others could struggle. While Martinez has had the extended injuries that have hampered his United career, a run this season without injury could cement his place in the XI on a long-term basis. Maguire is a name who still signifies United’s inability to progress and build on their squad, but has proven in the last 2-3 years that he is as good of an option as any on his day.

In the younger options, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are poised to take their chances this season, with both coming into United in recent years for polar opposite fees, but both have showed their huge potential at points, and also shown at points where they need the experience and development to reach the very very top level as most expect. With more games this season give the European commitments, both will get several chances this season and a good run of performances could see them displace their more experienced counterparts in this squad.

Finally, we have Matthijs de Ligt who some may have almost forgotten about given his long-term layoff. After missing most of the last campaign with a real difficult back injury, it’s to be hoped he will be back fairly soon this campaign, and while he isn’t a name United can rely on at this stage, when he has featured he has been one of the very best United have in their squad, and if he can return this season to the top level, it will give Carrick huge options in centre-back.

Right-Back

Right-back feels more secure for now, but could definitely become a target for improvement in the next year or so. Diogo Dalot will be seen as the starter throughout the campaign, and while his performances can split the fanbase, he remains the best available option for the majority of this campaign, and is largely reliable when featuring.

Noussair Mazraoui remains a reliable back-up for either side of the defence or even at centre-back, as he remains a highly versatile and decent option whenever needed. In this summer’s World Cup, he put in some decent performances with Morocco and while his fitness has sometimes been an issue in getting regular minutes, United can be assured of options in case of an absence for Dalot.

The third option at right-back could see Leny Yoro being utilised in this spot. We’ve seen pre-season games where Carrick has looked to put Yoro at right-back, as his system can almost fall into a back three when in possession, bringing Yoro more central and allowing the left-back of Dorgu to push on higher up. This system could be utilised for specific games, and given that Yoro is yet to have a full breakthrough as a starter in the squad, this could be an option United explore further.