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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Left-Wing

The left side of the attack brings an interesting question for Carrick at the start of the season, as Rashford staying at Manchester United amid a huge expectation for him to leave, means a battle is underway between the homegrown talent of Rashford, Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu, all having impressive seasons last campaign but offering very different options to the style of play.

Rashford had an impressive spell at Barcelona last season but the move didn’t become permanent as they looked elsewhere with bringing in Anthony Gordon. Rashford is a proven talent but needs to win the fans over this season with effort and defensive work which has been a criticism. He also prefers to be out wide and taking on players which means less room for an overlap, but a strong link-up with Luke Shaw after years of playing in the same team.

Matheus Cunha is a player used on the left but arguably is more suited to the centre of the pitch. Being used at the World Cup as a central striker, he often drifts and does leave gaps for the full-back overlap, but loses something by not always being an outlet to burst down the wing as United sometimes look for.

Finally, Patrick Dorgu emerged as an option on the left side of the attack last season after some impressive displays. A really keen runner both attacking and defensive and for some games would be suited as an overlapping full-back, but could be used on the left of the attack where United may need more legs, more defensive willingness and could free up either of the other options to drift centrally to cover and fill any gaps if required.

Right-Wing

If the left side of United’s attack looked stacked, the right side is arguably even more exciting. With Bryan Mbeumo secure in his starting spot in this team, a possible move into the central role at points will free up space for the back-ups of Amad, and possibly the young stars of Shea Lacey and JJ Gabriel who both have been tipped for involvement across a hopefully long and competitive season.

Mbeumo offers plenty for United and is a proven finisher, with 12 goals last season, but may need to fill in if Sesko isn’t starting fully fit this season, and so Amad could hopefully get an opportunity as his performances last season have been impressive but lacking goals and assists with only 2 goals and 3 assists last season. Meanwhile Shea Lacey had a few cameo appearances last season including the FA Cup tie where he saw red for a moment of frustration, and he could get minutes, along with the 15 year old talent of JJ Gabriel who is certainly being tipped for the very top of the game.

Centre-Forward

Down the centre, United are again lacking to some degree, as despite having a revamped attacking line last summer, United have no ideal replacement for Benjamin Sesko who has proven to be prone to injury at points, and is yet to be fully relied on for full 90 minute appearances across a long stretch of time.

Benjamin Sesko has missed pre-season which is a concern on his fitness and injury worries that have been apparent in the last year, and despite bagging 12 goals last season, he needs to hit the ground running for United to eliminate any fears over his reliability.

In the back-up roles for this position, United will have to change their approach for any other option, as the likes of Mbeumo, Cunha, Rashford or Zirkzee in the central role completely changes the approach and doesn’t always suit the players themselves. While United were clearly focussed elsewhere this summer, it feels like they may have been wise to find an experienced rotation option for this season to support the team in place of some of the players who looked to be on their way out of the club this summer.

An interesting move to note in the central striker role is Chido Obi’s loan move to the Eredivisie with Willem II. This move could be crucial to his development to play senior football in a major league, and while it will be a chance to prove himself, I think most United fans will be keen to see how this works out in the season.