Manchester United have a number of transfer decisions to make as they aim to return to European competition in 2026/27
Harry Maguire and Casemiro’s contracts expire this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United have achieved a resurgence under Michael Carrick and have qualified for the Champions League. If the line is crossed, or even if it’s not, there are some big decisions to be made in the transfer window.
Last summer, the club spent more than £200m on the signings of Matheus Cunha, Senne Ramens, Brian Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. They have also managed to generate cash through the sale of the likes of Anthony and Alejandro Garnacho, while Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hjølund are expected to leave permanently this summer after being successfully loaned out.
United already know Casemiro will leave in the summer and have confirmed that the Brazilian will not extend his current contract. However, there are some question marks elsewhere.
It would take a major collapse for United to play no European football at all next season, and more games means they need a bigger squad, which could mean retaining players who could have been released. We have been considering who should stay and who should make way.
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keep or sell
Senne Ramens – KEEP
The Belgian’s first season at Old Trafford could not have been better, given the initial doubts about whether he was ready to step up as first-choice keeper.
Altai Bindir – Sell
Turkey’s players have generally been unconvincing and an upgrade to their backup goalkeeper may be needed.
Diogo Dalot – Keep
Dalot’s versatility as a full-back makes him a useful player on the team, so if he’s happy being a backup, he should stay.
Nousser Mazraoui – Sell
With too much money and too many injury concerns, they would need to free up the wage budget at the expense of Mazraoui to justify keeping him.
Matthijs de Ligt – Sell
United have shown they can cope without Matthijs de Ligt without any problems (Image: Getty Images)
Although one of United’s highest-paid players, the 26-year-old should still be well paid and is a player who has proven the club can do just fine without United.
Harry Maguire – Keep
Maguire showed his quality under Carrick, earning him a long-term stay at United just when it looked like his career was almost over.
Lisandro Martinez – Keep
There are injury concerns, but when he’s available, he clearly improves the team with his talent and leadership.
Yoro Lenny – KEEP
He still hasn’t fully justified his high transfer fee, but there’s still plenty of time and he’s improving.
Aiden Heaven – KEEP
Haven have been forced to intervene ahead of schedule and while a loan may suit him next term, there is no chance of him being sold outright.
Tyrell Malasia – Release
His contract expires in the summer, but there is no possibility of him getting a new contract.
Patrick Dorg – Keep
Having found a new gear this season, his versatility should be a real asset next term.
Luke Shaw – Keep
Given his career, it may be unrealistic to expect Shaw to be a virtually constant presence next term, but it’s definitely worth keeping him around, even if only as a rotation option when Patrick Dawg returns to full fitness.
Casemiro – Release
There are currently some who want the Brazilian to stay, but the chance to leave with complete rest and a relatively high score is in everyone’s favor.
Manuel Ugarte – Sell
An expensive bust, Ugarte will be sold at a significant loss, but it is difficult to see a future for him at Old Trafford.
Coby Mainoo – KEEP
What a difference a few months can make! Mainu has shown real quality, staying sharp even during his absence from the team under manager Ruben Amorim, and he is part of the present and the future.
Coby Mainu has returned to United’s first team (Image: James Marsh/Shutterstock)
Mason Mount – Sell
His chemistry with injuries is so bad that extra time will only put more stress on the team.
Bruno Fernandes – KEEP
There was a time when it seemed realistic to sell Fernandes and use the money raised to rebuild, but given his form in the second half of the season, it’s hard to let him go.
Amado – Keep
Despite a dip in form after returning from AFCON, Amad’s form through December shows he still has value.
Brian Mbemo – KEEP
Mbeumo has featured admirably and should be a real asset on United’s first trip to Europe.
Mateus Cunha – KEEP
He had a solid first season after signing in the summer and will continue to offer a lot.
Joshua Zirkzee – Sell
The Dutchman still has high stock in Serie A, which could allow United to recoup some of the money they paid for a player who is far from starting.
Benjamin Sesco – KEEP
The increased competition should help the summer signings, who are finally starting to come into their own under Carrick.
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Borrowers
Many of United’s senior players have spent the season on loan and most, if not all, should probably be released. Rashford, Hojrand and Andre Onana should all bring in reasonable sums, but Jadon Sancho’s release will take wages off the books.
Radek Vitek, like Sekou Kone, could also benefit from being included in the first-team group next season, although Toby Collier could prove to be unfit for the requirements. Harry Amass’ situation is difficult to predict, but another loan could be in order as United and the left-back decide what to do long-term.
next season eleven
A lot depends on whether we can secure Champions League football. This will determine the quality of players United can sign, but we have some idea of how things will play out.
The signing of a new central midfielder to replace Casemiro is a must, with Elliott Anderson and Carlos Bareva among the players rumored in the past. Few names have been floated for an upgrade at right-back, but Borussia Dortmund star Julian Ryerson could fit the bill.
Bringing in an experienced back-up goalkeeper to sustain Lamence’s progress could be a smart signing, but a second midfield signing could also be needed for a much longer season than this one.
Manchester United 2026/27 XI: Lamence. New RB, Maguire, Martinez, Dorg. New CM “Mynu”. Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha. Sesco.
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