With 3 first team arrivals, and at time of writing just 1 major outgoing, Manchester United are heading into the new season with a feeling of optimism for a return to the top half of the table and European places for the upcoming campaign. With a better feeling coming from within the club, and a sense of calm and control being put in place by the manager and hierarchy, there could be a steadier season after the turbulence of 2024/2025.

In preparation for the new season, we’re looking at the squad depth available at Manchester United, as despite the need for a few more additions and departures, United have options in several areas and with the reduced schedule with no European football, their options are actually looking interesting for the new season. We’ve gone through each section of the pitch to discuss the options that could be available for Ruben Amorim and which players are likely to be in the pole position for a starting spot in the opening clash against Arsenal in a few weeks time.

As always, if you have any thoughts on Manchester United ahead of the new season or for the rest of the summer and the possible transfer activity that we could see, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).

Goalkeepers

Between the sticks continues to be an area on the pitch that divides opinion at Old Trafford, with Andre Onana having 2 seasons of questionable form, not fully showing the levels or performances that many fans anticipated from the big money move under Ten Hag. With many calling for a new arrival, Onana doesn’t seem to be on the way out at time of writing, and so any incomings will surely be a rotation option rather than challenging for a starting spot.

With Onana being on the US tour despite his hamstring injury, the question mark remains over whether he will be fit to start against Arsenal, however the belief would have to be that if fit, Onana will be the top choice for the gloves in most games this season. With a focus on arrivals elsewhere on the pitch, it could be that Amorim is willing to give Onana one final season to prove his worth, or next summer could see a big change in that spot.

Waiting in the wings, are two options that have their pros and cons in equal measure. Bayindir has had the occasional strong cameo such as last seasons FA Cup win over Arsenal, however the games against Tottenham in the League Cup and Newcastle in the league probably suggest he’s not the one to really push Onana for a starting spot. As a result, it’s unlikely to see Bayindir challenge and if another keeper comes in before the end of the window, this could even push the Turkish international out as he will fall down the pecking order.

The 2nd option is one that actually many fans would be up for trialling, as 39 year old Tom Heaton has extended his deal at United for another year, and in a recent interview, Amorim spoke about Heaton being 1 of 6 players in a new leadership group. With some strong showings in the pre-season games over in the US, we could see Heaton actually being utilised and not just a training partner for the existing crop of keepers.

In terms of youth prospects, United have Vitek and Harrison who have both been sent on loan for the season, with the former being considered as a genuine prospect for the future at the club, while Harrison has been used on the bench in several games last season to gain further experience. Given United’s focus on the attacking line this summer, and the limited talk about Onana departing the club, I can’t see any major change in the starting spot, but could strongly envisage a backup change with Bayindir departing and a new arrival who could put more pressure and competition into the squad.

Predicted Starter: Andre Onana

Defenders

In defence, United actually feel setup for the upcoming season despite having injury and selection issues for the last few years. with 2 wing backs and 3 centre backs to feature in the XI, it’s a key part of the setup for Amorim, but the options available can be utilised depending on the opposition.

Starting with the wing-backs, I think Amad and Dorgu would be the preferred options, with Amad offering the more attack minded approach, and Dorgu capable of doing both attacking and defensive duties if needed. In the background you have Dalot and Mazraoui to replace Amad if a more defensive approach is needed, while Diego Leon or Luke Shaw could fill in on the left should there be an injury or fitness issue with Dorgu. Harry Amass seems to be heading for a loan away so likely won’t feature this year but could be given minutes if he stays with the first team.

For the centre-backs, despite losing Evans and Lindelof from last season, United still have 2 players for each position, with Yoro, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Heaven and Fredricson all available.

I believe United will play Yoro for the majority of games as he becomes a player showing glimpses of the huge potential he can offer. Yoro can play either side of the centre backs depending on who he may partner with and who they may be up against. Along with Yoro, I think Martinez is a guaranteed starter when back from injury, however United will be keen not to rush the player back after suffering several long-term injuries since arriving at Old Trafford. In the middle of these, the battle will be between De Ligt and Maguire, with the former likely being given the nod and Maguire utilised in cup games and rotation if the squad need a more experienced head, or even need to utilise his physicality in set pieces (literally using his head).

In the rotation options you still gave some strong options, with Shaw and Mazraoui being capable of slotting in perfectly to the back line in different roles, Ayden Heaven has shown a strong start to life at Old Trafford and will be given several appearances this season while Martinez remains out of action in particular, and then Fredricson is the young option who has already been given a few games at the end of last season and may see a few cameos again this campaign.

Overall, with the defence I think United will be flexible and rotate heavily depending on the opposition. I think Yoro will start most games, but either on the left or right side of the back 3, and Dorgu will also probably have a secure spot in the XI. Other than that, the rest of the roles and positions do depend on form, fitness and availability which is something United will always have to contend with in their defensive line. Despite the concerns on this, it does feel like United are covered for the season without European football to contend with, and could see some healthy competition forming in the key roles.

Predicted Starters: Amad, Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez, Dorgu

Midfielders

In the midfield we are referring to the two central midfielders that United will operate using, the number 6 and 8 for those who prefer to use numbers over positions. It’s arguably one of the key areas alongside striker and goalkeeper that United seem to be having issues with, despite being fairly stacked for options. The midfield setup is something that Ten Hag struggled with, and with Amorim’s 3-4-3 style setup it has become even more clear that the midfield balance is off.

Bruno Fernandes has to start games, as the captain, leader and standout player in recent years, he has to have a role within the XI, and given his ability to play every minute possible, he likely will need to find a settled role. Given the arrival of 2 new number 10 attackers, Fernandes is expected to drop into the number 8 role and become almost more of a running-back to pair the number 6 quarterback for the forward line to create attacks. While this solves the problem of getting Fernandes into the team, it does mean the player alongside Fernandes has to be able to do more running and defensive work as Fernandes is certainly more on the attacking side of things and can often find himself in rogue areas of the pitch.

The standout candidate to work alongside Fernandes as a result of these concerns is Casemiro, a player who has played this number 6 role against some of Football’s greatest ever stars. He is great with passing, being a perfect quarterback when United expect to have the majority of possession and control within games. The concern for Casemiro comes however with the amount of running and energy as often huge gaps are formed with Fernandes in the midfield, and having an aging Casemiro doing the chasing is a bit of a concern as this could leave the defensive line exposed to quick and physical counter attacks and transitions. As a result, Casemiro will likely be used for no more than 60 minutes of games, or could even find himself as the player to come on with 30 minutes to go, but ultimately I can’t see Casemiro dropping out of the squad entirely as his last year of a huge contract comes into play.

To alternate with Casemiro, we have Ugarte who is certainly the player willing to run and do the defensive work, likely to pair with the Brazilian midfielder to bring the fresh legs in the second half and possibly even to pick up his standard yellow card late on to break up play. Ugarte has had an up and down pre-season as he was praised for performances alongside Mainoo and also has had faults leading to opposition chances, and his retention of the ball to start the attacking transition is a big problem, something Casemiro can do so well.

We also have to discuss Kobbie Mainoo, the player United fans would love to find a space for in the XI. Which he prefers to play a more attacking role, even starting up-front last season for the Reds, but I think he will be down the attacking pecking order, probably to either rotate with Fernandes in the number 8 role (maybe with Fernandes pushing up to rotate with the forward line), or could eventually see a role as the number 6. While Kobbie has the legs to do the running, his defensive work, physicality and tackling could be improved if United are to make him sit back in the midfield.

Finally, we should discuss the fringe players who could step up to either spot in the midfield. Toby Collyer is definitely able to play a role similar to that of Scott McTominay back in his United days, and has a potential to have a big season in the new campaign. Additionally, Sekou Kone is a player being talked about for a big future and could be given minutes this season, as could the Fletcher brothers and some other younger stars of the future, but this will likely be in cameo roles late in games or when a game is put to bed.

We should of course discuss the possibility of a new arrival, as Amorim has been quoted as saying he would quite like to bring in a midfielder with the energy, and given how much work he wants from a midfielder, the age of Casemiro, the flaws with Ugarte and limited other options as the number 6, we could see United heading into the market with rumours of a big move for Baleba from Brighton which could excite fans and provide a major solution to the problem.

Predicted Starters: Fernandes, Casemiro

Forwards

The forward line is where all the excitement has been thus far, and could continue to be before the season stars and the window shuts. With a potential new look entire front-line, we already know Mbeumo and Cunha are in the door, with Sesko likely soon to follow according to reports. We’ve also seen one outgoing with Rashford on loan, while Garnacho, Sancho and Antony undoubtedly on their way out.

As things stand at time of writing, the front line starting the season will be the two new boys in the number 10 roles, and then Hojlund through the middle. While the number 10 options are stacked with Zirkzee, Mount waiting on the side-lines, while Amad, Fernandes and Mainoo could also fill in those spots, the competition is heavy and much needed after last years disappointment.

Leading the line is where issues lie for United as things stand. Hojlund and Chido Obi remain the only recognised number 9 forwards available, and this is a huge area of weakness as United cannot rely on Hojlund for regular goals, and Chido is still needing to develop without the huge pressure. While Hojlund could see an improved season with better service from the new boys, it’s still an area United are keen on addressing.

At time of writing, the talks for Benjamin Sesko are heating up massively, and this looks like the move to be done to bring in a new star to lead the line for United. While I personally would have liked to see Watkins as the new arrival given his Premier League experience and lower fee, the Sesko move does mean another huge talented option is available, but also now raises questions over the future of Hojlund. They could choose to keep the Danish forward to battle with Sesko, but likely for financial reasons we will see Hojlund moved on, and have Sesko and Chido as the main striking options with Mbeumo, Zirkzee or Fernandes as alternatives which could change the tactical setup if required.

Predicted Starters: Mbeumo, Hojlund (Sesko), Cunha

Don’t forget to share your preferred XI with us over on our social media platforms (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin – YouTube @NextGoalWinner), and also if you think there could be any extra additions to the squad by the time the season rolls around then let us know who you think might be on the way in this summer.