The 2026 summer transfer window is closed, so it’s time to assess Manchester United’s squad depth. Rebuilding the midfield was Manchester United’s primary goal heading ...
The 2026 summer transfer window is closed, so it’s time to assess Manchester United’s squad depth.
Rebuilding the midfield was Manchester United’s primary goal heading into the transfer window. Following the departure of Casemiro, United spent £155m overhauling the engine room with the additions of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba.
However, many United fans view the window as a missed opportunity after the club failed to sign a left-back to provide cover and competition for an ageing Luke Shaw.
Michael Carrick was never going to get everything in one summer, so he will have to work with the players at his disposal, which he managed to great effect last season. Here is a look at United’s depth for the 2026/27 season – well, until January anyway.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Goalkeepers: United have plenty of experience behind first-choice Senne Lammens. Karl Darlow arrived on a free transfer in the summer to play second fiddle, while Tom Heaton remains a key member of the dressing room.
Right-backs: Unless Carrick dips into the academy, he will be limited if Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui miss matches due to injuries or suspensions throughout the season. It’s a major concern that this is a more alarming issue on the opposite flank.
Centre-backs: United have quantity, but quality is another question. Harry Maguire is coming to the latter years of his United career but remains one of United’s best defenders. The jury is out on Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt because they’ve had horrid spells out injured in recent seasons. It could be a huge season for Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro’s development as they try to stake a claim to become regulars in Carrick’s defence.
Left-backs: The biggest worry in the team right now is the lack of cover at left-back, as well as Shaw’s form after the first two matches of the season. This season presents a huge opportunity for Harry Amass to step up at United. We’d all love to see that become a reality at Old Trafford as he’s shown plenty of promise in the academy over the years.
Central midfielders: Unlike last season, Carrick has plenty of options in the engine room, depending on the opponent and approach United want to take in those games. New arrivals Santos, Tielemans, and Baleba complement Kobbie Mainoo. Moreover, I suspect chances in the domestic cup competitions for Tyler Fletcher. Mason Mount’s role in the team will be dependent on the England international’s fitness.
No.10s/playmakers: This role is cemented by club captain Bruno Fernandes, who won the Premier League Player of the Year award last season. There are other players like Mount and Shea Lacey capable of fulfilling this position, but Carrick can also select from starlet duo Jack Fletcher and JJ Gabriel.
Right-wingers: On the right flank, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are stars in Carrick’s team. Lacey is likely to get minutes on the right wing too.
Left-wingers: Marcus Rashford and Patrick Dorgu will battle it out for a starting berth on the left flank, but Matheus Cunha can also play that position, as we learned in his debut campaign at the club. Tynan Thompson will be hoping for minutes in the team following his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.
Strikers: Benjamin Sesko is the only recognised centre-forward in the squad. Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee will provide cover for the Slovenia international.
The defence stands out as the main weakness for United this season. From lacking full-back cover to not being certain of the best, most reliable centre-back pairing, Carrick has a lot of big decisions to make over the course of the season.
A revamped midfield stands United in good stead for the campaign ahead, but the options on the wing are encouraging.
Only time will tell if United have enough in the strikers department.
